The lead-up to Christmas for often brings tight deadlines, year-end targets and the added strain of personal commitments. Getting the family organised and coordinated has the potential to be as demanding as the demands from work! A survey by the Mental Health Foundation revealed that 54% of UK adults feel more stressed during Christmas, with work and financial worries being the main culprits. Without proper support, these pressures can lead to fatigue, stress, and even increased absenteeism. According to CIPD, stress is responsible for 57% of long-term employee absences in the UK. This makes the festive season a crucial time for employers to prioritise employee wellbeing. By taking proactive measures, businesses can ease stress, boost morale, and enhance productivity.

Practical Tips to Support Wellbeing

Encourage a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Flexible working hours or remote work options can help employees manage both work and personal commitments. This simple step can reduce stress and help maintain focus.

Acknowledge Financial Pressures
Financial worries are common during the festive season. Consider offering support such as discounted gift cards, access to financial advice, or organising low-cost team celebrations to ease the burden.

Nurture Open Communication
Encourage managers to check in with their teams regularly. Normalising discussions about stress or mental health creates a supportive atmosphere where employees feel comfortable seeking help.

Promote Inclusion in Festive Activities
Not everyone celebrates Christmas the same way, and some may not celebrate it at all. Make sure team activities are inclusive and offer a variety of ways for employees to connect and celebrate, such as charity drives or cultural potlucks.

Offer Mental Health Resources
Providing access to counselling services or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can make a significant difference. Highlight these resources during the festive season to ensure employees know how to seek help if needed.

Show Gratitude and Recognition
A simple ‘thank you’ can go a long way. Recognising employees’ hard work, whether through personalised messages or small gestures, can boost morale and make them feel valued.

Building a Culture of Wellbeing All Year-Round
Supporting employee wellbeing shouldn’t be limited to the festive season. A long-term commitment to mental health and wellbeing will always strengthen and unite a workforce. Reap the rewards of a highly resilient and engaged team! Regular wellbeing initiatives, ongoing training for managers and a culture of inclusivity can have a significant impact on progress, development and also loyalty amongst employees.

At Primed, we understand the importance of employee wellbeing, especially during high-pressure times like the festive season. If you’d like expert advice or tailored solutions to support your team, get in touch with us today. Together, we can create a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive.