Get Ahead of the Holiday Hustle and Support Your Team
We all know the holiday season can bring added stress in the office. Trying to balance increased workloads, seasonal demands, and let’s not forget personal obligations – it’s not only stressing for you, but for your employees as well.
And we all know that with added stress, whether at home or in the office, increases the likelihood of burnout.
Tips to get ahead of the holiday hustle, support your team, and help them avoid burnout! Don't let the holiday hustle affect everyone on your team
Recognize the Signs: It’s important to be aware of the early signs of burnout, such as fatigue, disengagement, and increased absenteeism. Pay attention to those you know who are typically highly engaged who start to fade a little to the background. Now is a great time to check in with your team as well as reinforce and encourage open communication.
Encourage Time Off: While the holidays are a busy time, it's still essential to encourage employees to take advantage of their earned time off. Encourage your employees to take time here and there, even if it is for just a few days. This will help them to recharge and refuel so they are prepared for the holiday rush.
Set Realistic Expectations: Adjust goals and deadlines during the holiday season to reflect the busy schedules and potential staffing shortages. Try to avoid overloading your employees with non-value-added tasks and prioritize essential business activities.
Offer Flexible Schedules: Consider offering flexible work hours to accommodate personal responsibilities, like shopping, family gatherings, and school events. Allowing your employees to adjust their work hours or work remotely to alleviate holiday stress. If they’ve been working on big year end projects, allow them to sleep in and come in a little later or leave early to get a jump on personal errands.
Create a Positive Work Environment: It goes without being said, but make your employees feel valued. Acknowledge the hard work and express appreciation for their efforts. Simple gestures like a "thank you", bringing in some food, and acknowledging achievements can go a long way.
Provide Mental Health Resources: Be sure to share information on mental health resources available through your company’s benefits plan. Remind your employees about any Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) you offer or have on hand external support resources if needed.
Host a Stress Relief Activity: Organize a fun, low-pressure team activity that encourages relaxation, such as a holiday-themed lunch, yoga class, or mindfulness workshop. These events can boost morale and provide a much-needed break from the holiday hustle.
Taking proactive steps to support your team during this holiday season will not only help reduce stress and prevent burnout but also foster a more productive and positive workplace where everyone can thrive!