The Holiday Blues (or Bah, Humbug!)

Sing along (to the tune of “Let It Snow”)

Oh, the world outside is frightful,
and everyone seems so spiteful.
But since it’s no way to grow,
let it go, let it go, let it go.
The stress, it is not stopping,
and my heart it feels like popping,
But before I hit an all time low,
I let it go, let it go, let it go.*

*written by REACH Employee Assistance Program Specialist Mike Verano. Yes I borrowed it, I have no shame.

The holiday season has arrived and with it comes parties, shopping and spending time with our families and friends. Unfortunately the holiday season is also a time when depression and stress are more prevalent. (Holiday stress is highly predictable and largely preventable. Just in case you missed it, this happens about the same time each year.)

As an employer, you can control some of the variables that create the holiday season stress for your employees. And remember, as a business owner, CEO or manager, you need to be concerned about not only your employees’ stress levels during the holidays, but your own!

During the holidays, we may see a visible drop in productivity as employees are simply more focused on the multiple distractions that come with the holiday season. But as an employer, your concern is about the projects, deadlines and other company obligations. If possible, try to scale back those projects and commitments until the first of the year. Take a look at how you may prioritize the existing commitments and focus on those that are most significant. Try to work around your employees' schedules, their holidays and vacations.

In a 2011 survey by Accountemps, 39% of employees say managing their workloads can be difficult during the holiday season. 41% say their workloads are already too heavy. Accountemps offers five “gifts” employers can offer to their employees during the holiday season:

• Support: Ensure resources are in place for the staff to successfully complete their projects and consider adding skilled temporary staff to help with key initiatives and maintain productivity.
• Time: Encourage staff to leave early on a Friday or take an occasional long lunch to attend to errands.
• Flexibility: Offer flexible schedules or telecommuting options to staff whose jobs have that capability. This helps employees better balance their work and life demands.
• Thanks: Let staff members know they are appreciated for their work throughout the year.
• Fun: Don’t let the office environment become too serious. A department celebration, such as a group lunch or gift exchange, can help build camaraderie.

Whether you are an HR professional, CEO, or Manager, we all need to remember and have the attitude that a worker’s personal life matters.

Happy Holidays!