Holiday Work Stressors
The holiday season is officially upon us! While this is a time to celebrate and spend time with family and friends, it is also a time of increased workplace stress. The staffing firm, Accountemps, recently released data that found 32% of American state managing their holiday and work commitments is their top stressor during the holiday season. In addition, a report from Robert Half found that for 35% of Americans, work stress sores during the holidays. To help your employees de-stress and enjoy their holiday season, follow the tips below!
Managing Stress During the Holiday Season
- Offer Flexible Work Hours: During the holiday season, consider allowing employees to come in late or leave early one or two times a week. That will give them more time to participate in family holiday activities. The change in routine will also help them feel more refreshed and positive about their work.
- Hire Temporary Workers: To avoid burnout and frustration that could carry over into the new year, consider bringing in temporary workers to help with year end projects. This lifts a lot of weight off employees and allows them to better focus on their role in the project, as well as better enjoy their holiday season.
- Encourage Exercise: Exercise is one of the best ways to help reduce holiday stress. Encourage employees to move more by offering lunch time yoga classes, walking meetings, creating fitness challenges for the office, or have the whole office participate in a holiday charity walk.
Lighten the Mood: Laughter is another way to help reduce all kinds of stress. Pick a day to have employees wear ugly Christmas sweaters or have a funniest holiday story competition and have employees vote on which one made them laugh the hardest. - Hire a Personal Office Shopper: This one might sound crazy, but consider hiring a personal shopper for the office. On top of work requirements and family activities, finding the time to go Christmas shopping is a huge stressor for employees. All they would need to provide is a shopping list and cash, and then they can relax and focus on work tasks.
- Give Choices: Take the time to ask each individual employee what kind of holiday bonus would benefit them the most. Whether it’s a gift, a bonus check, or paid time off, their answer might surprise you!
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