Of 600 full-time workers surveyed, 2 out of 3 say they have experienced workplace stress around the holidays; 25% have taken a day off from work because of holiday stress (Accenture HR services).
More than 20% of Americans say they are worried the holidays will adversely affect their health. The top six holiday stressors include money, gift-giving, lack of time, families, diet and children’s issues (American Psychological Association).
A full 68% of individuals polled said that managing workplace commitment at work in order to take time-off during the holidays is stressful (FranklinCovey)
“Holiday time is very stressful because people have more to do than at any other time during the year,” says Jen Wegener, Clinical Manager with Bensinger, DuPoint & Associates. “The good news is that are a number of ways employers can ease their employees’ holiday-induced stress and, at the same time, reduce absenteeism, minimize sick time, and create an overall positive work environment.” Wegener offers these easy-to-implement suggestions
Office decorations: Let each office area create their own theme or decorating idea. Have a judging contest and include a small budget.
Office parties: Office parties can happen formally and informally during the holiday. Maybe you can have the party at a different location and invite family members.
What about a Thanksgiving meal at work? Create a meal for the homeless or some other type of charitable meal that includes people other than just your employees and their families. The money you spend here will go miles toward boosting employee morale and, thus, your company's bottom line.
What special perks are afforded? What kind of special time off is there for busy people to go shopping, to prepare special meals, to travel during this time? Not everyone has the luxury of a school schedule. Most companies close only a day or two during holidays, yet the demands of the season mean people need more time. How are you compensating for that? You can give them shopping days or even half-days. You can give gifts to employees that are frivolous and fun, such as coupons they can cash in for time off.
Do something that makes people feel special: Having employees that feel special at work can be created by doing small but organized activities in the workplace. For instance, recognize employees’ achievements at a holiday luncheon, designate a bulletin board on which employees can share their families’ favorite holiday photos, or have all employees hang a favorite ornament on the company tree.
Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individuals and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services. For additional information, Jen Wegener can be reached at 1-800-227-8620.
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