The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many employees, it’s a period filled with stress and pressure. Between personal responsibilities, financial burdens, and the added workplace demands of end-of-year deadlines, the holidays can be anything but joyful. For small business owners and HR professionals, understanding and addressing these stressors is not just compassionate but also essential to maintaining productivity and employee well-being.

In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of holiday stress on mental health, proactive and reactive strategies to support employees, and practical policies you can implement to create a workplace that prioritizes well-being during the holidays—and beyond.

The Impact of Holiday Stress on Mental Health

The holiday season brings unique stressors that affect employees at all levels. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association revealed that 38% of people feel more stressed during the holidays, citing financial pressures, family responsibilities, and lack of time as primary contributors. In the workplace, these challenges often translate into:

• Burnout: Increased workloads from end-of-year tasks can push employees to their limits.
• Absenteeism: Stress-related illnesses or mental health struggles may lead to frequent absences.
• Reduced Productivity: Employees distracted by external pressures are less engaged at work.

For small businesses, where each team member plays a critical role, these issues can be particularly disruptive. Recognizing the connection between holiday stress and workplace performance is the first step in fostering a healthier environment.

Proactive Strategies to Support Employees

To combat holiday stress, consider implementing strategies that help employees balance work and personal responsibilities.

Flexible Scheduling

Allowing remote work or flexible hours during the holidays can significantly ease the burden on employees managing personal commitments. For example, a compressed workweek or adjusted start and end times can give employees more freedom to prepare for the season while staying productive.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Overwhelming employees with unrealistic deadlines or extra tasks during the holidays only exacerbates stress. Encourage managers to prioritize tasks, delegate effectively, and work collaboratively. This ensures that the workload is manageable and that employees feel supported.

Open Communication

Creating a culture of openness can make a significant difference. Train managers to check in with their teams regularly, asking questions like, “How can I support you during this busy time?” or “Do you have what you need to stay on track?” This simple step builds trust and shows employees that their well-being matters.

Reactive Strategies for Addressing Mental Health

While proactive measures can reduce stress, it’s equally important to have reactive strategies in place for employees who may already be struggling.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

An EAP is an invaluable resource for employees needing professional mental health support. These programs offer confidential counseling and can address stress, anxiety, and other issues. If you don’t currently have an EAP, consider exploring affordable options tailored to small businesses.

Offering Mental Health Days

Encourage employees to take time off when they need it. By explicitly framing these as "mental health days," you normalize the idea that mental well-being is as important as physical health.

Hosting Stress Management Workshops

Workshops focused on stress management can provide employees with tools to navigate the holidays. Topics like mindfulness, time management, or financial wellness can have a lasting impact, empowering employees to take control of their stressors.

Practical Policies and Examples

Holiday PTO Policy

A well-designed time-off policy can ease holiday stress. For example, offering additional floating holidays in December or encouraging employees to use accrued PTO can help them manage personal obligations without guilt.

Incorporating Mental Health into Wellness Programs

Small gestures can make a big difference. Consider hosting mindfulness sessions, providing small holiday perks like coffee gift cards, or organizing events to build camaraderie, such as a de-stress zone with snacks and relaxing activities.

Leading by Example

Leadership sets the tone. Encourage managers and executives to model healthy habits by taking breaks, prioritizing their tasks, and being transparent about their own boundaries. When employees see leaders practicing self-care, they’re more likely to do the same.

Call to Action

Supporting mental health during the holidays is not just the right thing to do—it’s a strategic investment in your team and your business. By taking proactive and reactive steps to address holiday stressors, you create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and ready to tackle the challenges of the season.

We challenge you to start small: implement one or two strategies this holiday season, such as offering flexible scheduling or hosting a stress management workshop. Over time, these efforts will build a workplace culture that prioritizes mental health year-round.

If you need guidance on implementing these initiatives or crafting mental health policies tailored to your business, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to ensure your team thrives—during the holidays and beyond.

CONNOR BOLEWARE, SHRM-CP
HR Advisor, HR Services
Connor is an HR professional with a passion for creating solutions that benefit people as well as business. He brings to Crescent and empact hr a wealth of experience in the healthcare / hospital space, where he managed recruiting and vetting, onboarding, compensation, FMLA, discipline, reengineered and systematized a performance management program for a 200-person organization, the employee life cycle, HR systems, and more.

He is a learner; he focuses daily on broadening his experience and expertise so he can have greater impact on his clients. His interests range from reading, researching health and nutrition, learning more about nature and sustainability, cooking, exercise, and connecting with people.