The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration but, for many employees, it can become a source of stress and burnout. From longer work hours to the pressure of delivering on year-end goals, the festive season often exacerbates the challenges workers face year-round. Employers have a critical role to play in helping their teams find balance and avoid burnout during this busy time.
Recognize the Increased Pressure and Mental Health Strain
For many employees, the holidays can trigger a surge in stress and anxiety. Studies show that 64% of individuals living with a mental illness report that their condition worsens during the holidays. The combination of increased work demands, social obligations and seasonal emotional stress can be overwhelming. Employers should acknowledge that the holiday season often takes a toll on both the physical and mental health of their workforce.
One of the best ways to begin is by fostering a workplace culture that normalizes conversations about mental health. Encouraging employees to speak openly about their struggles can alleviate some of the pressure they may be feeling. It’s also important to recognize that some employees may be juggling extra caregiving responsibilities or coping with personal loss, adding an additional layer of stress.
Encourage Employees to Unplug and Take Time Off
With the pressure to meet deadlines and perform during the holidays, employees often feel guilty about taking time off. However, rest and recovery are essential to long-term well-being and productivity. Data shows that 57% of U.S. employees are experiencing at least a moderate level of burnout, and failing to take time off only exacerbates the issue.
Employers can lead by example and encourage employees to step away from their work. Remind your team about the importance of taking vacation days, and provide a clear plan for coverage while they are out. You can also consider offering flexible hours to reduce the burden on employees. To make time off more appealing, some organizations offer “unplugged” holidays or extended weekends during the holiday season to allow employees to disconnect.
Management can help by making it clear that employees should not be expected to respond to emails or attend meetings outside of working hours. Encourage them to set up clear boundaries between work and personal time, and to communicate when they plan to be offline.
Provide Flexibility to Reduce Work-Related Anxiety
Workplace flexibility is a key factor in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The pandemic has shown that flexible work options — such as remote work and flexible hours — can help employees manage both their personal and professional responsibilities. However, many employees in industries such as healthcare, retail, and customer service face heightened expectations during the holiday season.
Studies reveal that 40% of healthcare workers and 37% of office and administrative workers are anxious about working long hours during the holidays. Employers can alleviate some of this anxiety by offering flexible work schedules or staggered shifts. Additionally, using technology to streamline workflows or automating certain tasks can help reduce the burden on employees during this high-demand period.
Promote a Healthy Work Culture and Lead by Example
Leadership has a significant influence on how employees approach work-life balance. If managers regularly work long hours, don’t take time off or fail to prioritize self-care, employees are likely to follow suit. Leaders must set an example by taking care of their own mental health and demonstrating the importance of taking breaks, setting boundaries and unplugging.
evolvedMD also recommends the holidays can be a great time for a “digital detox”, a deliberate break from digital devices to step away and promote offline activities with family and friends. A recent survey showed one-fifth of United States adults cited technology use as a significant stress in their life.
Leaders can also model healthy behaviors by openly sharing their own strategies for managing stress during the holidays. For instance, they might share how they carve out time for exercise, relaxation or family. Leaders should also be vocal in promoting company-wide initiatives like wellness programs or mindfulness activities, which can help employees cope with the demands of the season.
Offer Mental Health Resources and Support
With 40% of American workers feeling employers don’t support their mental health, leadership teams must set the tone and commit to cultivating a healthier work environment. Employers should ensure that employees have access to mental health resources, particularly during the high-stress holiday period. Many organizations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide confidential counseling and support services for personal or work-related challenges. Promote these resources and make it easy for employees to access them.
While burnout isn’t a medical diagnosis, it can amplify and further compliance issues such as depression, anxiety and many other health problems. evolvedMD recommends talking to your primary care provider, which may have integrated behavioral health services on site, making it more affordable and accessible to a licensed mental health professional in the same building.
In conclusion, the holiday season should be a time for rest, reflection and connection, but it can easily turn into a period of stress and burnout if employers don’t take proactive steps to support their teams. By promoting a culture of well-being, offering flexibility, and encouraging employees to unplug, companies can help their teams recharge and enter the new year feeling refreshed and ready to take on new challenges.
As the statistics show, burnout and mental health concerns are real issues for many employees, especially during the holiday season. By recognizing the signs of burnout and offering tangible support, employers can ensure that their workforce remains healthy, motivated, and productive all year long.
As Chief of Staff + Head of Investor Relations for evolvedMD, Sentari Minor is at the forefront of healthcare innovation with a scope of work that includes strategy, corporate development, growth, branding, culture, and coaching. Prior to evolvedMD, he worked with some of the Nation’s most prominent and curious CEOs and entrepreneurs advising on philanthropy, policy, and everything social good in PHX + DAL + SFO. Launched in 2017, evolvedMD is leading the integration of behavioral health services in modern primary care. They have partners throughout Arizona including Banner Health, HonorHealth, EverNorth, Optum, Phoenix Children’s, TMCOne and many more.
