Holiday Stress and the Workplace Influence

’Tis the season to socialize, celebrate, be merry—and for many, to be stressed. The holiday season can be complex, blending joyous emotions with feelings of sadness, frustration or even anger. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), 28% of Americans report feeling more stressed this holiday season compared to last year. Other studies show that two in five Americans say their mood worsens during the holidays. The top stressors cited include the financial burden of holiday gifts, grief over missing a loved one and navigating challenging family dynamics. Heightened stress from financial challenges, personal commitments and emotional struggles can easily spill over into the workplace. Additionally, work itself can contribute to stress, with year-end deadlines and difficulties taking time off adding to the strain.

Increased stress can have a negative impact on both mental and physical well-being. In the workplace, feeling strained can reduce job performance, lower productivity, decrease work engagement and hinder effective communication. Employees experiencing increased stress may show symptoms of social withdrawal, changes in sleep or appetite, feelings of sadness or worry, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Employers can play a helpful role in managing stress during the holiday season by being aware of increased stress, demonstrating empathy, and providing guidance for practical solutions and helpful resources.

Here are some tips to sprinkle holiday cheer and help your employees manage stress more effectively this season.

Communicate: Communicate regularly to create and foster an environment that embraces open and honest dialogue. Acknowledge that stress may be elevated and work together as a team and organization to develop strategies for managing it. Set clear, realistic expectations to ensure everyone is aligned, and encourage effective time management. Express gratitude and recognize employees for their contributions throughout the holiday season.

Plan for Flexibility: Work/life balance is rated as one of the top indicators for both employee retention and turnover according to Gallup. Research from APA also supports that autonomy at work increases motivation and performance. As the holiday season brings its own hustle and bustle of shopping, party preparations, social gatherings and travel, maintaining a healthy balance becomes even more crucial. Offering flexible schedules, encouraging time off and promoting wellness breaks (such as walking, mindful meditation or other stress management techniques) throughout the workday can help employees proactively manage their stress and well-being during the holidays.

Promote Healthy Habits: Establish and maintain a culture that encourages employees to engage in healthy habits. During times of heightened stress, such as the holiday season, it can be challenging to prioritize physical activity and balanced nutrition. However, working in an environment that encourages these behaviors can help improve employees’ mood and energy levels.

• Encourage regular movement. The recommendation for daily aerobic exercise is at least 30 minutes on most days. To experience the stress relief and heart health benefits of exercise, it does not have to happen all at once. Short walks or brief spurts of physical activity like yoga or strength training throughout an employee’s workday can help improve their mind and body.
• Support mindful eating. When stress increases, food often becomes a “go-to” coping mechanism. Adding to the challenge, the holidays are frequently celebrated with food, and these indulgences are readily available throughout the season, even in the workplace. To best support employees in making healthy choices, consider offering options like fruits, vegetables or high-protein snacks.
• Promote rest and relaxation. It can be difficult to relax and enjoy the holiday season when stress is high and when navigating “all the things.” Reading a book, spending time in nature or enjoying a cup of hot tea are a few examples of how employees might choose to take time to rest and relax. Encouraging employees to prioritize self-care is one way to prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.

Be Inclusive: For some, the holidays can be lonely, adding to their stress.To help all employees feel respected and included, acknowledge all holidays, even less commonly observed ones. Consider a departmental or organizational get-together so employees who are alone over the holidays can still celebrate and connect with others. Encourage employees to share traditions and cultural practices allowing for a more meaningful experience for everyone.

Reiterate Benefits: According to APA’s 2023 Work in America survey, 92% of workers say workplace mental health support is either very or somewhat important to them. The holiday season is an ideal time to remind employees of the benefits available to them. Consider highlighting resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), financial wellness tools, and health and wellness benefits, as these may be especially relevant during this time of year.

Experiencing an increase in stress during the holiday season is normal—It can be helpful for employees who are more stressed to know they are not alone. Taking small steps within the workplace can lead to significant improvements in employee well-being.

Resource:

The Benefits of Stress Management for Employees

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR ASHTON DEMOSS // Wellness Content & Information Specialist • IFEBP

Ashton DeMoss currently serves as a Wellness Content and Information Specialist at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, the partner organization of the Wellness Alliance. With extensive experience in the worksite wellness industry, she is passionate about promoting health and well-being in the workplace. To prioritize her personal wellness, she enjoys group exercise classes and participating in a monthly book club.