The final stretch of the year can be hectic: deadlines loom, inboxes overflow, and everyone’s racing to wrap things up before the holidays. Add in a packed social calendar, and it’s no surprise stress levels start to soar.
It’s tempting to just push through the silly season, but looking after your people now helps them finish strong and return in January with the energy your business needs to thrive.
Help manage workloads
Overloading December only leads to exhaustion and mistakes. Before setting and enforcing end-of-year deadlines, ask yourself this question: does it really need to be done this year?
Prioritise what’s essential and postpone non-urgent projects until January. Build breathing space into your calendar by leaving realistic gaps between deadlines. And avoid last-minute scrambles by clearly communicating cut-off dates for new work.
Acknowledge your team’s hard work
Recognition boosts morale, but it doesn’t have to be costly. A simple ‘thank you’ goes a long way, whether it’s in a team meeting, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful gesture like finishing early on a Friday. The goal is to make people feel seen and appreciated before the break.
Normalise asking for help
Create a culture where it’s okay to admit when things feel overwhelming. You can do this by…
- Checking in regularly, both formally and casually.
- Leading by example. If you’re telling your team to take a break, make sure you do the same.
- Promote available support. A poster in the kitchen or a company-wide email about wellbeing services can make a big difference.
And if you can see that someone is struggling, point them toward your Employee Assistance Programme or other support options.
Try a digital detox
Encourage your team to truly switch off from work over the holidays: no emails, phone calls, or notifications. A proper disconnect helps reset energy levels, and a rested team returns with better focus, motivation, and creativity.
Remember, supporting your team’s mental health isn’t just good leadership, it’s good business: a balanced team leads to a balanced ledger.
Disclaimer: This blog has been carefully prepared, but it has been written in general terms only. The blog should not be relied upon to provide specific information without also obtaining appropriate professional advice after detailed examination of your particular situation.
