December often comes to mind as a time filled with joy, celebrations and reflection. But while the season has its moments of cheer, it’s also a time when many of us feel the weight of stress, anxiety and emotional challenges. For organisations, understanding this reality is crucial — not just to keep things running smoothly, but to create a workplace where people feel genuinely cared for and supported.
Understanding the Source of Holiday Stress
Here’s why this time of year can feel heavy for many:
- Financial Strains: The cost of gifts, travel and holiday activities can make an already tight budget even tighter, causing stress that lingers well beyond the season.
- Family Pressures: Hosting or attending family gatherings can be tiring and come with high expectations that everything should be perfect. It’s no surprise this can lead to feeling overwhelmed!
- Feelings of Loss and Loneliness: For those who’ve lost loved ones or feel isolated, the season can be a painful reminder of who’s missing.
- Workload Pressures: The push to meet year-end goals or wrap-up projects can make the usual work stress feel like it’s on overdrive.
These stressors aren’t just anecdotal. Research shows December is the most stressful month for half the workforce, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 64% of those with existing mental health challenges experience worsening symptoms during the holidays.
The Power of Recognition and Gratitude
Amid the hustle, even small gestures of appreciation can be powerful. Workhuman's The Human Workplace Index Report from 2023 revealed that 70% of employees felt less stressed about meeting year-end goals when they received public recognition from colleagues. Additionally, over 75% reported increased gratitude and camaraderie during the holidays. This is a reminder that leaders have a unique opportunity — and responsibility — to make appreciation a core part of their workplace culture.
8 Practical Ways to Support Your Team This Holiday Season
1. Show Gratitude
As highlighted above, recognition and gratitude are powerful components for keeping spirits high — so act on them. Create a warm and inclusive atmosphere by acknowledging the hard work your team has put in throughout the year. A heartfelt “thank you” or shared moment of recognition can go a long way.
2. Offer Flexibility
The holidays come with plenty of demands, so providing options for flexible schedules or remote work can give employees the gift of time to balance their commitments.
3. Keep Leave Policies Fair
Make sure time off is distributed fairly, and consider allowing some wiggle room for taking days off before or after the main holidays so employees can prepare or recharge.
4. Bring People Together
Host relaxed, low-key gatherings that centre connection, whether it’s a virtual catch-up or an in-person meet-up. For those who might not have others to celebrate with, these moments can be especially meaningful, creating a sense of belonging during what could otherwise be a lonely time.
5. Remind Your People of Available Support
Gently remind employees of the resources your organisation offers, such as Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and mental health services. Sometimes, simply knowing that support is available can bring comfort to those that need it.
6. Celebrate Everyone's Tradition
Make it a point to acknowledge and appreciate the different cultural celebrations that are meaningful to your team. Invite them to share their stories, customs and experiences during this time of year. Doing so can help everyone in your team feel included and valued, nurturing an environment where people can learn from each other and feel a deeper sense of connection.
7. Encourage Balance & Self-Care
Let your team know it's not just okay, but encouraged, to take care of themselves during this season. Share tips for downtime, relaxation and mental health practices that help keep the holiday blues at bay.
8. Reach Out With Care
A thoughtful gesture, like sending a card to employees who have experienced loss, can mean the world. It's also powerful to acknowledge in company communications that it's normal to feel a mix of joy and stress during this time and create a safe space for employees to share how they're feeling.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The holiday season is about more than just wrapping up tasks and planning parties. It’s about showing that you see and value your team as the people they are, with all their experiences, joys, and challenges. When you take steps to support them, you’re building a workplace culture that isn’t just productive but genuinely caring. And that sense of connection and appreciation? It’s something that will resonate long after the holiday lights have been taken down.
About SmartPA
SmartPA leads the transformation of admin and business support services through technology and education, while our mission is to unleash potential by supporting young people and women to become business role models for future generations. Powered by a global team of passionate and accredited SmartPAs, we accelerate the success of over 5,000 businesses worldwide, delivering impactful outsourced support that allows organisations to focus on what they do best. With a Centre of Excellence in the UK, near shore hubs in South Africa and Uganda, and an offshore hub in Malaysia, we are dedicated to making a difference.
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