Make mental health a priority
From a mental health perspective, Christmas can be a tricky time. Your employees may be reconnecting with family and friends that they struggle to maintain relationships with, or attempting to navigate the social expectations of the season.
They might also find themselves lacking social connections, and be planning to spend Christmas day alone; in 2024, there was a major increase in people doing this. For those who have had relatives, or close connections pass away, they’re also likely to feel those losses acutely around this time. Many services also close over the Christmas period, particularly charities and organisations that your employees might depend on.
They might also find themselves lacking social connections, and be planning to spend Christmas day alone; in 2024, there was a major increase in people doing this. For those who have had relatives, or close connections pass away, they’re also likely to feel those losses acutely around this time. Many services also close over the Christmas period, particularly charities and organisations that your employees might depend on.
For businesses, it's more important than ever that you’re keeping a close eye on your staff, and checking in with them if you notice a shift in their behaviour. Allowing the space for a colleague to vent, or making time to connect with an employee who has been a little quiet really can make a difference. You can find out how to talk to your employees about mental health here.
Advocate for taking a break
For some, Christmas is a long list of seemingly never ending tasks. It means sorting costumes for the kids’ pantomimes, making travel arrangements for friends coming to stay, creating multiple shopping lists of gifts, food and drink, and then figuring out how to cook a meal for fifteen people, and serve it to them at a table that seats six.
For businesses, it might mean that on the run up to Christmas, staff could be shopping, making plans or trying to stay on top of the tasks that are piling up. We’re all likely to use our breaks to get things done now and again, but keep an eye on your employees who are often rushing from one place to the next, and never taking a moment to catch their breath.
You can also model this behaviour, particularly if you’re in the same workspace as your staff. If you’re in a management role, and find yourself frequently working through your breaks or eating lunch at your desk, think about doing something differently.
Aim to reduce stress at work
For many businesses, Christmas means closing down for a time. This might mean everyone is working hard to get things finished before the shutdown in December. You might even have an increased workload if this is your busy season, or you have a reduced team. Employees are also likely to be managing the financial pressures of the period, and struggling with the increased costs this month.
Managers should plan carefully and prioritise tasks over the month of December, to ensure that they aren’t overwhelming themselves and their employees. Consider reasonable and achievable expectations that you can request from their staff, and goals which can be achieved within their working hours. You might also consider giving staff their December pay earlier in the month, to allow for people to make those last minute purchases or payments.
