Contrary to what we think, the holidays may just not be the most wonderful time of the year. In fact, research shows that 88% of Americans feel the holiday season is the most stressful time of year. While we look forward to all the good stuff From Thanksgiving all the way to New Year’s, employees have to juggle personal commitments like family gatherings and gift shopping alongside work obligations such as project deadlines and annual reviews. They face multifaceted stress that can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. As an employer, you play a crucial role in creating a positive workplace culture that supports employee well-being during this chaotic season. But how do you do that? Well, here are several ways your human resources department can support employee well-being over the holidays. 

What Causes Increased Stress During the Holidays? 

So, what’s stressing employees most during the holidays? First things first. Financial pressures! Finances top the list with the costs of holiday gifts and meals weighing heavily on many - and the current high cost of living doesn’t make things better. Most people also struggle with travel-related worries and hosting visitors during the holidays. On top of that, they also have to worry about the pressure to participate in activities and family gatherings. For some employees, the emotional toll of personal loss or being far from loved ones can amplify feelings of isolation or sadness during what’s supposed to be a joyful time. 

Professionally, many businesses ramp up expectations as they try to meet end-of-year deadlines and wrap up the fiscal year. It wouldn’t be a surprise if your employees have increased workloads during the holidays as you rush to close a long list of obligations by the end of year. The holiday season can also bring a surge in responsibilities outside of work - from airport runs for visiting family to extra shopping tasks, managing kids home from school and taking care of pets. Balancing these additional commitments with work obligations creates further strain. 

How You Can Support Your Employees During the Holidays 

Offer Flexible Schedules 

A significant number of workers, 22% to be exact, try to take as much time off as possible during the holiday season to better balance family time, celebrations, and work responsibilities. If you can promote flexible work arrangements for your employees, you could significantly alleviate their stress. They’ll have an easier time managing personal commitments while still meeting work expectations.  

Remote work options have proven particularly effective. A study West Monroe Partners revealed that workplace flexibility during the holiday season increases employee productivity more than other benefits like rewards or office parties. This means your HR department may want to consider:  

• Allowing adjustable schedules to accommodate holiday-related needs 
• Offering remote work options when possible 
• Implementing “floating holidays” for employees to use as needed 

Flexibility also demonstrates trust in your team’s ability to manage their responsibilities. It leads to increased job satisfaction and loyalty as 75% of employees report improved morale as a major benefit of flexible work arrangements.  

Help Your Team Disconnect Completely 

The holiday season often blurs the lines between work and personal time, with 65% of employees admitting they work on their days off. About 35% of them even check their email after the company closes. This means they don’t fully disconnect and enjoy their holidays. What you want to do is encourage them to unplug during their time away.  

Make it a company-wide effort where leaders model healthy boundaries by avoiding work communications during holidays. Establish a culture that prioritizes rest, and this will in turn help employees recharge and return more focused and productive. HR can implement a “no contact” policy during designated holiday periods to ensure employees aren’t expected to respond to work-related messages. 

Some companies have actually found success with automatic email deletion policies for employees on vacation. For instance, Daimler’s “Mail on Holiday” program automatically reroutes incoming emails to designated colleagues who are not on vacation. The sender receives an auto-reply explaining that their message has been forwarded to another team member who can address urgent matters. This eliminates the stress of a full inbox upon return. 

Well-rested employees are also more creative and productive. A study found that employees who took regular breaks from work showed 50% greater capacity to think creatively and 46% greater health and well-being. Prioritizing true downtime during the holidays can lead to a more energized and effective workforce in the new year. 

Provide Outlets for Workers to Destress 

There are a ton of ways to help employees distress during the hectic holiday season. From offering extra employee benefits like pet insurance to implementing wellness initiatives, companies can take proactive steps to support their workforce. Some effective strategies include: 

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) 

Employee Assistance Programs offer confidential counseling services for employees facing stress or personal issues. These programs provide a valuable resource for workers to address mental health concerns, relationship problems, or work-related stress in a private setting. By promoting EAPs, employers ensure their team members have access to professional support when needed. Many EAPs offer 24/7 hotlines, short-term counseling sessions, and referrals to specialized services. Encouraging the use of EAPs can help employees manage holiday-related stress more effectively, leading to improved well-being and productivity.  

Team Building Activities 

Organizing team-building exercises foster camaraderie and reduces stress. They provide a welcome break from routine work tasks and help enhance workplace relationships. Consider planning holiday-themed events that bring colleagues together in a relaxed setting. Options might include group volunteer opportunities, festive office parties, or collaborative projects unrelated to work duties. Team building can also involve skill-sharing sessions where employees teach each other new talents or hobbies. These activities not only help relieve stress but also contribute to a positive company culture. 

Pet-Friendly Initiatives 

Pet benefits are currently on a rising trend, with 64% of companies already offering pet insurance. The thing is, incorporating pet-friendly policies or events can significantly improve employee well-being and reduce stress levels. Research shows that interacting with pets can lower blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a primary stress hormone. Consider allowing employees to bring their pets to work occasionally or organizing “pet therapy” days where certified therapy animals visit the office.  

Companies with pet-friendly policies have seen remarkable improvements in workplace satisfaction and productivity. For instance, 83% of employees in pet-friendly companies feel their work is rewarding and exciting, versus just 46% in non-pet-friendly environments. Implementing “pawternity leave” policies has also led to increased job satisfaction and team productivity.  

For companies unable to accommodate pets full-time, partnering with local animal shelters for lunchtime “cuddle sessions” can provide similar benefits. Additionally, offering pet insurance as a voluntary benefit can further support employees’ overall well-being by reducing financial stress related to pet care. 

Encourage Personal Downtime 

Promoting personal downtime is crucial for employee well-being, especially during the hectic holiday season. Research shows that 83% of employees spend no time relaxing during the workday, which can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. To combat this, consider implementing the following strategies: 

• Schedule “no-contact hours” or meeting-free days, prohibiting work-related communications during these periods 
• Encourage employees to take their full lunch breaks away from their desks 
• Promote short walks or “mindfulness minutes” throughout the day 
• Offer on-site yoga or meditation classes 

Wrapping Up Your Holiday Wellness Strategy 

Supporting employee well-being during the holidays isn’t just about keeping your team happy—it’s a strategic investment in your organization’s success.  

Implementing employee benefits like flexible schedules, stress-relief activities, and team-building initiatives can significantly enhance morale and productivity. Additionally, offering pet benefits, including pet insurance, can provide employees with peace of mind and contribute to their overall happiness. 

Ready to explore how integrating pet benefits into your wellness strategy can make a meaningful difference for your team? Visit Pet Benefit Solutions to learn more about enhancing employee satisfaction and well-being through innovative and affordable pet benefits.