“It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” or so the song goes.
While the holidays are often filled with get-togethers, good food, gifts, and happiness, it can also be a time of extreme stress, depression, anxiety, and frustration. For some, it’s ’tis the season to be worried instead of jolly. This can be brought on by financial issues, work/life balance difficulties, family problems, time management concerns, and/or the anniversary of a loved one who passed away at the end of the year.
So, what are some ways supervisors and leaders can help their employees – as well as themselves – manage any negativity associated around the holidays? Here are some excellent tips on this topic:
- Accommodate time off requests and alternate schedules, when possible.
- Set small goals for your team so they feel a sense of accomplishment.
- Make your expectations clear, but be flexible.
- Start holiday planning/scheduling in advance.
- Encourage communication.
- Support health and wellness by having healthy foods available.
- Take breaks to stretch and walk.
- Say “thank you” (and mean it).
- Offer help through the EAP.
- Have fun! Your attitude sets the tone for your department, so stay positive!
If you’re going through any personal or professional struggles where this time of the year seems to amplify them, please reach out to someone, whether it be a friend, co-worker, family member, boss or counselor. What’s important is that you initiate that connection, so that you can get the emotional support you need in order to feel better and improve your situation. Never lose hope! Find that light in the darkness and remember that you matter!
The happiest of holidays to all of you!
What are your thoughts on managing during the holidays? Do you have any personal stories you are willing to share? Please feel free to ask questions or share your experiences below.
Suggested Resources
- ’Tis the Season for Stress (2014 Survey Report)
- Alone for the Holidays
- Stress Less for the Holidays
Jeremy joined Empathia (then NEAS) in 2007. As an Account Manager, he manages a variety of EAP accounts and also oversees our social media sites. His previous roles here were as Manager, Client Care Services, as well as Sales Consultant. Prior to joining Empathia, he spent 14 years in the EAP industry in a variety of managerial and operational roles. Jeremy holds a Masters in Management; he is a certified wellness coach and a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP). Jeremy has also assisted in numerous disaster response mass casualty events as a Phone Counselor, Call Center Manager, and Manifest Coordinator. He enjoys reading, photography, music, and spending time with his wife and daughters.
*Specific LifeMatters® services vary from company to company, so please speak to your company benefits representative or call LifeMatters to determine the specific services that are available to you.
