Managing Holiday Stress in the Workplace

Understanding and managing holiday stress in the workplace can present a dilemma for supervisors. While the end of the year brings workplace deadlines and milestones for supervisors; the holidays bring additional personal responsibilities and stress for employees. This holiday stress can result from what is happening at work and at home. These strategies for managing holiday stress at in the workplace can benefit both supervisors and their employees.

Ask what an employee needs to relieve holiday stress at work

Supervisors can take steps to manage holiday stress in the workplace by asking their employees what they need to balance work and life stress during the holiday. Some supervisors, who believe that asking employees what they need demonstrates weakness, might be inclined to go overboard with the rules during the holidays. This stronger adherence to rules during the holidays will add to the stress rather than relieve it. On the contrary, supervisors who acknowledge employees' needs typically will enjoy better support from their employees.

Give the gift of time to employees

Most employees, if asked how they wanted to be acknowledged during the holidays would probably ask for a bonus check and, or time off. Sometimes neither a bonus check nor time off is possible. In a down economy, despite the high profits from some companies, a holiday bonus might be out of the question. However, supervisors can help alleviate holiday stress in the workplace by being generous with time off for employees. It isn't always possible, but the gift of time can help supervisors and employees manage work and meet family demands during the holidays.

Be mindful of work deadlines during the holidays

Work deadlines are a major contributor to holiday stress in the workplace. Often supervisors are trying to end the year on the most productive note possible. Most good employees are also aware of the deadlines at work and want to do a good job. However, supervisors should be aware that many of these employees also have deadlines away from the office during the holidays. If at all possible, offer some amount of flexibility to get the work done. For example, an employee may want to work extra late one day so they can leave early for a holiday event at their child's school the next day.