8 tips for helping your employees survive the stresses of the holiday season

For many, the holiday season can be the most stressful time of the year. With increased pressure on finances, time, and health, it’s no surprise that many find it such a difficult time. One study I read said that a 60-minute shopping experience increases the heart rate on par with the increases experienced when running a marathon. And that’s just from an hour shopping, so it doesn’t include all the cooking and partying that happens as well!

So what can we do to help our employees survive the stresses of the holiday season? What can we do to support them, helping them to be both productive at work and enjoy this festive time of year? Here are eight tips which you and your managers may find helpful:

1) Be flexible with time

Trying to do everything at this time of the year can be challenging, so as much as possible, it’s important to be accommodating and flexible with work hours.

Understand personal commitments such as school plays, as well as challenges such as holiday shopping, and consider if/how you can allow a more flexible work schedule. It not only helps your employees, but sends a strong message that you both support and trust them.

2) Prioritise work

For many, the holidays mean rushing to finish everything up before the year closes. It’s important to support your employees in understanding what needs to be completed and what doesn’t, helping alleviate undue stress and challenges.

3) Support wellbeing

Let’s face it, this time of the year is not the best from a wellbeing perspective. For this reason, look for ways to sprinkle a bit of wellbeing into the day, whether it’s having healthy snacks, exercise classes, etc, do what you can do to offset all of the holiday eating and drinking.

4) Offer financial savings

With the average family spend of around £825 on gifts, food and drink and decorations, your employees will appreciate any help you can provide them in reducing this through savings. If you have a discount benefit offering, market it so that employees are reminded of how much they can save, and thus reduce some of the financial stress.

5) Look for signs

Look for warning signs of holiday stress, and when found, talk to employees to understand what support can be provided. If you have an EAP (employee assistance plan) in place, point them in the direction of this form of professional support.

6) Give thanks

It’s important to thank your workforce throughout the year, but at this time of year it can’t hurt to be a bit more generous with your thank you’s. It costs you nothing to thank someone, and will mean so much more at this stressful time of year. If you have a recognition platform, why not create a special eCard just for the holidays, putting everyone in the festive holiday giving spirit?

7) Respect differences

Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Respect cultural and religious differences, and allow your workforce to celebrate what works best based on their personal beliefs.

8) Have some fun

Last but certainly not least, look for opportunities to have a bit of fun to offset the stress that employees feel in the office and at home. Holiday fun shouldn’t happen only at home, bring some of it into the office and enjoy!

So go on and share these tips with your managers, creating a discussion as to what will work with your workforce. And remember that stressed spelled backwards is desserts, so do your best to turn holiday stress into holiday sweetness!

Debra Corey is group reward director at Reward Gateway.

This article was provided by Reward Gateway.