How to Prevent Employee Burnout at Christmas

As the holiday season approaches, many workplaces experience a surge in activity, leading to increased stress levels among employees.

The pressure of meeting year-end deadlines, juggling personal commitments, and dealing with dwindling resources due to annual leave can create the perfect storm for Christmas burnout. Managing holiday stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring that employees remain engaged and productive. This blog will explore the causes of burnout around the holidays, why preventing it is important, and how employers can take proactive measures to support their teams during this busy season.

What causes Christmas burnout?

Up to 70% of employees report feeling more stressed during the holiday season than any other time of the year. Burnout during the holiday season can stem from several workplace and personal stressors. Understanding these triggers can help employers address the root causes and prevent employee burnout from taking hold.

Seasonal deadlines

Many businesses face tight end-of-year deadlines, with projects that need to be wrapped up before the holiday season. Employees may feel the pressure to meet these deadlines, which can lead to working long hours and sacrificing personal time. When deadlines overlap with the festive period, it adds an extra layer of stress that can quickly lead to burnout.

Less resource due to annual leave

As employees use up their remaining annual leave days towards the end of the year, the workforce can become stretched thin, leaving the remaining team members with an increased workload. This leads to fewer resources available in the office as more people take time off, forcing teams to manage the same volume of work with fewer hands. The added responsibilities and pressure often result in longer working hours and a heightened sense of urgency, contributing to feelings of overwhelm, reduced productivity, and ultimately Christmas burnout. This combination of factors can amplify holiday season stress, as employees struggle to keep up with demands in a diminished workforce.

End of year performance reviews

For many companies, December marks the time for end-of-year performance reviews. These evaluations can be stressful for employees, as they are often tied to promotions, bonuses, and future opportunities. Preparing for these reviews, coupled with an already heavy workload, can elevate stress levels and lead to burnout.

Personal stresses

Beyond the workplace, employees also deal with personal stresses during the holiday season. Family obligations, financial pressures and holiday preparations can make it difficult for employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This mix of professional and personal demands can lead to exhaustion and reduced motivation.

Why it’s important to prevent Christmas burnout

Preventing Christmas burnout is crucial not only for the well-being of employees but also for the overall health of the organisation. Employees who experience burnout are more likely to take sick days, disengage from their work and ultimately become more prone to making costly mistakes. For employees, preventing burnout means preserving their mental and physical health, allowing them to enjoy the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed.

For employers, taking steps to prevent burnout saves money in the long run. A workforce that is overworked and stressed is more prone to burnout, absenteeism, and decreased productivity. By fostering a supportive environment and addressing potential stressors early, businesses can maintain a high level of performance even during the busiest time of the year.

How employers can help prevent burnout

Employers play a key role in preventing Christmas burnout by implementing proactive measures that prioritise employee well-being. Here are several strategies to help keep stress at bay during the holiday season.

1. Set more realistic deadlines

One of the most effective ways to prevent burnout is by setting realistic deadlines. Employers should review project timelines and identify tasks that can be postponed until after the holiday season. Setting achievable goals allows employees to manage their workloads without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations. Prioritising key projects and giving employees the flexibility to complete less urgent tasks later can alleviate much of the holiday stress.

2. Hire extra staff for the season

According to Stanford University research, productivity significantly decreases after 50 hours of work per week, with a steep decline beyond 55 hours. If your business experiences a significant increase in workload during the holiday season, consider hiring temporary or seasonal staff to help manage the demand. Bringing in extra resources can relieve some of the pressure on your permanent employees and prevent burnout. This strategy not only supports your current team but also ensures that your business continues to run smoothly during the busy period.

3. Replace end-of-year reviews with regular feedback

Instead of relying solely on year-end performance reviews, consider implementing a system of regular feedback throughout the year. Continuous feedback helps employees stay aligned with company goals and receive recognition for their efforts more frequently. By the time December arrives, the pressure of preparing for a single review is reduced, as employees are already aware of their progress. This approach helps maintain engagement and reduces anxiety around performance evaluations.

4. Offer flexible hours this time of year

Offering flexible working hours can significantly reduce Christmas and stress during the holiday season. Allowing employees to adjust their schedules gives them the opportunity to balance work with personal commitments. Whether it’s starting work later to avoid the morning rush or working remotely for a few days, flexibility provides employees with more control over their time, helping to manage stress more effectively.

5. Offer mental health support as a benefit

Mental health support is essential for preventing burnout, especially during high-stress periods like Christmas. By providing access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), employers can offer confidential counselling and resources to help employees manage holiday season stress. An EAP can assist with everything from work-related stress to personal challenges, ensuring that employees have the support they need when they need it most.

For example, CareConnect, our innovative EAP service, offers 24/7 access to mental health professionals in over 30 different languages. This is particularly beneficial for expat employees who may be struggling with the darker, colder months, or for those who are far from home during the holidays. With CareConnect, employees can access support without language barriers or delays, ensuring they feel heard and supported at all times.

Preventing Christmas burnout requires a proactive approach from employers who recognize the impact of stress on their workforce. By understanding the causes of burnout and implementing strategies such as flexible working hours, realistic deadlines, and access to mental health resources, businesses can support their employees during the holiday season. If you’d like to learn more about how our Employee Assistance Programs like CareConnect can help you manage holiday season stress, contact us today.