I love the holidays—baking, decorating, family gatherings, and holiday movies. This may be the first year the Christmas tree and ALL the lights made it up before Thanksgiving (don’t judge.) But as much joy as the season brings to many, it also comes with its fair share of stress and mental health challenges. And here's the thing: those challenges don’t stay at home. People bring them to work, and it impacts not only their well-being but the team and organization as a whole. This begs the question:
How can leaders make sure the holidays are not just festive, but also a time for mental wellness and positivity?
The impact of the holidays on employee mental health
While the Hallmark channel would have us believe the season is purely joyful and carefree, the reality for most of us is often more complicated. The holiday season increases stress in many areas: workload pressures as the year ends, family and financial stress, and an overstuffed calendar of social commitments. All of this piles up, leaving us scrambling to do more in less time—while surviving on holiday treats, eggnog, and one too many cocktails. The added stress is enough to send anyone’s mental health into a tailspin.
Even without the holidays to exacerbate things, we’re already facing a mental health crisis at work. According to recent studies, 44% of U.S. employees report feeling burned out at work, and 80% are at risk of future burnout. That’s a pretty stark reality, especially when you consider the long hours, mounting responsibilities, and pressure to perform to meet year-end goals and deadlines.
So, how can leaders help employees navigate this stress and actually thrive during the holiday season? Let’s look at ways to support our teams during this crucial time of year.
How to support employee mental health during the holidays
Set Clear Expectations and Avoid Holiday Pressure to “Perform”
The holiday season is already stressful enough without the added pressure to perform feats of strength at work. Review existing goals and avoid piling on additional work that adds unnecessary stress. The holidays should be a time for employees to recharge and enjoy the season—not a time to accelerate deadlines or ramp up last-minute projects. Setting clear, achievable expectations and discussing how to achieve them with the team will help employees feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
It’s November; if you haven’t already started discussing what’s to be accomplished by the end of the year with the team, do it now!
Promote (and Model) Work-Life Balance
Encourage employees to take time off if they are not typically inclined to or leverage flexible schedules and work arrangements. People need a break to tend to their personal lives, and if we want them to come back refreshed and engaged in the new year, they need to disconnect. Offering flexibility options like working remotely, adjusting schedules, or even a more casual dress code to accommodate personal time, family plans, or even just the holiday chaos can make a world of difference.
Leaders also need to model this behavior. When they take their vacation time and actually step away from the grind, it sends a powerful message to employees and they feel empowered to do the same.
Create a Culture of Openness Around Mental Health
Unfortunately, mental health is still a taboo subject in many workplaces–but it doesn’t have to be. By normalizing mental health conversations in the workplace, leaders create an environment where employees feel safe talking about their struggles without fear of judgment.
Leadership sets the tone for a supportive environment, and one-on-one check-ins with team members are a powerful way to understand their unique challenges.
It’s important to remember that the holidays can be emotional for employees dealing with loss, grief, or other complex situations you may or may not be aware of. These conversations demonstrate empathy and care and can help reduce stress and foster a more positive, connected workplace.
Sharing resources like Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and encouraging employees to seek help when they need it is critical. Understanding your EAP and the confidentiality rules around these programs is a great leadership toolkit investment. These resources exist for a reason, and using them can make all the difference in helping employees cope with stress.
Foster Social Connections and Team Support
Holiday events at work can be fun, but they can also add to the stress when calendars are already crowded. Instead of throwing too many work-related parties, focus on low-stress, team-building activities that foster connection and relaxation. Think virtual happy hours, gratitude exercises for Thanksgiving, or casual check-ins to give employees the opportunity to unwind together. A simple act of showing appreciation can go a long way in lifting spirits during this hectic time.
And don’t forget the party planner! Overly complex planning for activities can tax your social planner so make sure they have the resources they need and show your appreciation for their efforts.
Understand and Address Financial Stress
Financial stress is another crucial factor that can negatively impact both employee mental health and performance. The pressure of holiday expenses, debt, and planning for the future can leave employees feeling overwhelmed and distracted. Offering financial education before the holidays—such as budgeting workshops, saving tips, or debt management resources—can help employees proactively gain control over their finances. Providing access to financial counseling or wellness programs further supports them.
When employees feel financially secure, their mental load lightens, allowing them to focus more effectively at work and perform at their best.
Trivia tip: Did you know that MLK weekend (late January) is one of the highest times for financial stress? It’s typically when the holiday spending credit card bill is due. So now is a great time to get a head start on employee financial education.
Recognize Employee Efforts and Achievements
Employees want to feel valued, especially during the holidays, and even small gestures of recognition can significantly boost morale. Whether it's a thoughtful thank-you note, a small gift, or a company-wide appreciation event, celebrating team and individual achievements can make a big difference. When employees feel appreciated, it not only supports their mental health but also leaves employees feeling valued as they head off for the holidays.
Long vacations and the end/start of the year are critical times for reflection on job satisfaction. It’s also when employees spend a lot of time talking to influential family and friends about how satisfied they are at work or if it’s time to make a big decision like a job change.
The bottom line
Prioritizing mental wellness during the holidays isn’t just a win for employees—it’s a game-changer for the entire organization. When a team feels supported, valued, and cared for, they’re more likely to return in the new year energized, creative, and loyal. By embracing simple yet powerful strategies, organizations can build a culture of well-being that lasts long beyond the holiday season.
As we head into the busiest, most stressful time of the year, let’s remember that a little support goes a long way. When employees have clear, achievable goals, feel supported, and are recognized for their work, the holidays can become a time of meaningful celebration and rejuvenation, both personally and professionally. Let’s make this season truly bright—for everyone!
Interested in learning more about coaching and building human workplaces? Send me a note at Katherine@worksproutpartners.com. I look forward to hearing from you!
Comments