Burnt out.
Stress and loneliness can be exacerbated by the pressure to meet deadlines and the expectation of social gatherings and gift-shopping, as well as financial strain and family obligations.
HR professionals and employers play a crucial role in recognizing these challenges and providing necessary support so that employees feel valued during this period.
It is important to have a supportive culture at work that recognizes and accepts these challenges. Employers should not make it more difficult for employees to attend social events and gatherings.
Here are seven tips on how employers can reduce stress and improve mental health in the difficult winter months and during the festive season.
1. Mental health days and flexible work schedules
Our client noticed that morale of staff was significantly lower during the holiday season. They responded by introducing flexible schedules and mental-health days, which dramatically improved the situation. This shows the impact of employer strategies that are responsive. You might want to consider if you can offer this benefit to your employees.
2. Encourage inclusivity
Feelings of loneliness can be exacerbated by the emphasis placed on family and togetherness during the festive season.
Employers can assist by organizing inclusive social events with low pressure that make everyone feel part of the celebrations, no matter what their personal situation is.
3. Talk and move whenever possible
Both mental health and productivity are dependent on maintaining employee wellbeing. It is important to have open discussions about mental illness.
Initiatives such as conversation cafes, wellness workshops and (optional), physical activity challenges are all ways to create a community of support that boosts morale.
Developing coping strategies is essential to ensuring that employees are able to cope with the new challenges.
4. Reminding customers about the external support arrangements
Employee support programs and resources should be readily accessible to employers. You can provide information on mental health hotlines or counselling services.
Don’t assume that people will remember these provisions when they face difficulties. Remind people that help is available in times of high pressure, such as the holiday season.
Offer seminars or workshops that address stress management, loneliness and maintaining a balanced work-life.
They can provide employees with the tools to help them navigate the holiday season.
5. Equip managers for a better New Year
Not only the holiday season requires extra attention.
It’s important to set realistic and achievable goals for our wellbeing to help support mental health at work and to increase motivation.
As an example, a goal that is achievable would be to integrate mindfulness practices into your daily routines. For instance, you could take short breaks during the day for meditation or deep breathing exercises, or encourage outdoor walks, which can reduce stress and improve focus.
Coping strategies are vital to ensuring that employees remain healthy and happy as they face the challenges of a new year.
Change and reflection are common during the festive season and the New Year.
Managers can encourage a healthy balance between work and life to help reduce stress. Included in the actions are:
- Time management is important.
- Set boundaries for communication outside office hours
- Prioritising leisure activities
- Encourage employees to regularly self-assess their workload and responsibilities
Collectively, all of the above can help people manage their expectations, avoid being overwhelmed and support their mental and emotional well-being.
6. AI can reduce workload and stress
Artificial Intelligence and its integration into the workplace can boost efficiency, streamline processes and reduce stress during periods of high demand like the holiday season.
AI-driven tools for project management can automate the task distribution based on employee workload and skill levels, ensuring an even distribution of tasks. It not only increases efficiency, but also helps to prevent employee burnout through a reduction in workload.
AI-enabled analytical tools can also provide insight into workflow patterns. They can identify bottlenecks, and suggest improvements. It creates a more efficient workplace where employees can complete tasks in less time and with less effort, which increases their overall job satisfaction.
7. One-word goals are a great way to simplify your life.
One word goals are a powerful way to unite a team around a common goal, increasing coherence and purpose at work. This concept simplifies the goal-setting process, giving both individuals and organisations a clear direction.
It is a daily reminder to focus on the main objective, whether that be ‘growth,’ ‘balance,’ ‘innovation,’ or sustainability.’
SVH Inc. CIC chose ‘Blooming” as its one-word goal in 2023, a word that embodied the company’s and employees’ desire for growth and resilience.
This approach has been effective in achieving various goals, achieving alignment and creating a sense of accomplishment.
Winter is coming, so prepare and protect yourself.
Change and reflection are common during the festive season and New Year.
Employers can create an environment that is vibrant, positive, and happy by understanding and implementing strategies to support employee wellbeing.
