Tips for managing holiday stress in the workplace
Holidays are a time of joy and togetherness spent with family and friends, yet it can also cast a shadow over many individuals, triggering feelings of loneliness, stress or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). As the world grapples with the challenges of social well-being, supporting employees through holiday stress becomes crucial, hence why workplaces must recognize the need for comprehensive support services.
What are the main holiday stress challenges employees face during this time of the year?
Holidays and Deadlines
Balancing the festive cheer with looming work deadlines can prove to be a challenging endeavour, often resulting in elevated stress levels and a disrupted work-life equilibrium. Many individuals find themselves having to make a choice between maintaining peak work performance and preparing for the holiday festivities and managing this holiday stress at work can become difficult. The combination of impending project deadlines, business meetings, shopping obligations, and social reunions can intensify the pressure, leading to undue stress. Consequently, this dual expectation of sustaining productivity levels while immersing in the holiday spirit can take a significant toll on employees’ overall well-being, affecting both their personal and professional lives. The holiday season should be one of joy, so managing this type of workplace holiday stress should be handled as quickly as possible to enable your employees to enjoy their well-deserved rest.
Loneliness and Isolation
According to a recent Meta-Gallup survey, nearly one in four people worldwide experiences varying degrees of loneliness, which only accentuates during the festive season. Notably, the survey reveals that the highest rates of feeling lonely are reported among young adults (aged 19 to 29), with 27% feeling very or fairly lonely. The pressure to meet societal expectations, coupled with the emphasis on the importance of spending time with loved ones, can harbour feelings of isolation for those who may not have a strong support system and induce a lot of holiday stress. Moreover, the cultural emphasis of the holiday season may broaden the sense of exclusion for individuals who may come from different cultural backgrounds and who cannot benefit from the support of their communities during this time.
Stress caused by external factors
The holiday season can often magnify external stressors that weigh heavily on individuals, compromising their overall well-being and creating an abundance of holiday stress both at home and in the workplace. These include financial strain, family conflicts, and a sense of disappointment over unmet expectations. Financial pressure stemming from the perceived need for extravagant celebrations or gift-giving can significantly burden individuals, leading to feelings of inadequacy and distress. Additionally, navigating complex family dynamics can play a part into heightened emotional strain during this time. This disparity between the idealized holiday narrative and personal realities can lead to a sense of disillusionment and emotional holiday stress, further contributing to the burden of external stress.
SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder
Dr. Yudkoff at the Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital emphasizes that this time of year is characterized by a prevalent onset of SAD, often coupled with social isolation, which can be particularly concerning, given the season’s emphasis on social connections. Individuals affected by SAD during the holidays may grapple with persistent low mood, reduced energy, disrupted sleep, and changes in appetite, significantly affecting their overall well-being. SAD is often played off as the “winter blues”, but Dr. Kelly Rohan, professor of psychological science and a clinical psychologist, tells us it is in fact a form of clinical depression, with longer lasting symptoms.
How can workplaces ensure they provide comprehensive support to help with the management of holiday stress?
Amidst these holiday stress challenges, it is crucial to acknowledge the validity of these stressors and extend empathy towards workplace colleagues who might be struggling during this time of the year. Both employers and employees can advocate for the importance of a mental health support system within the organization to help elevate any type of workplace holiday stress.
Such a support system can comprise a range of services that cover various aspects concerning the well-being of employees.
Integrated Employee Wellness Programs
Integrating employee wellness programs, such as EAP, that encompass mental health well-being, family counselling, personal and professional development, showcase a commitment to comprehensive employee care. By offering a holistic approach to well-being, organizations foster an environment that prioritizes the overall health and happiness of their employees and reducing stress around the holiday season. .
Elevated Employee Integration Initiatives
Fostering a culture of heightened employee integration by prioritizing mutual support and understanding is crucial for workplace cohesion, especially during holiday seasons. Multicultural teams benefit significantly from feeling a sense of community within the workplace. Programs tailored for employees’ native languages not only enhance communication but also improve team dynamics, boost morale, job satisfaction.
Proactive Mental Health Training for Managers
Providing proactive mental health training for managers and team leaders equips them with the necessary tools to identify and address potential mental health challenges within their teams. By promoting mental health awareness and destigmatizing conversations around mood disorders, organizations cultivate a culture of compassion and support, ensuring that employees feel heard and valued.
How can CCS help with holiday stress at work?
CCS offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at addressing the diverse needs of employees during the challenging holiday season.
EAP: Our EAPs are voluntary and fully confidential, company-sponsored services that aid employees and their direct family members in dealing with a wide range of personal or work-related problems through assessment, short-term counselling, and specialised referrals. During more than 35 years that CCS has been working with client companies, our EAPs have continuously proved their positive impact on workplace health, employee well-being, motivation, productivity, and the company’s bottom line.
CareConnect: Our response to the need for multilingual support, CareConnect service has 28 languages to offer from native language resources using just one singular access point. CareConnect ensures that employees, including expats and foreign workers, receive counselling in their native language, fostering a deeper level of understanding and support crucial for well-being and effective communication during the holiday season.
Training & Webinars: As integral add-ons to our Employee Assistance Program, we’ve crafted a diverse range of webinars providing valuable educational opportunities for both individuals and groups in the workplace environments. These sessions cover a spectrum of mental health and well-being topics, allowing organizations to not only raise awareness of employees but also educate line managers and supervisors. Moreover, these webinars align with organizational objectives and actively contribute to fostering a culture of workplace health and overall well-being among the workforce.
Amid the holiday festivities, it becomes crucial for organizations to embrace holistic support systems that recognize the myriad challenges employees might encounter—be it feelings of solitude, the weight of stress, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Cultivating empathy emerges as a key player in crafting a workplace culture that deeply values the well-being of its members. By fostering understanding and solidarity, we create an environment that not only acknowledges but warmly nurtures the mental health and emotional resilience of employees.
For more details or personalized offers we welcome you to get in touch with us at: https://ccsint.com/contact/
