For others, vacations can bring out other, longer-term issues. Whether they have recently lost a loved one, are experiencing ongoing financial problems, or are facing many other challenges, the holidays can make these problems worse and create more stress, anxiety, and depression for them. employees.

When these factors multiply, the results can negatively impact our mental health and well-being, as well as those around us, affecting not only employees’ personal lives, but also their work performance and productivity. Ensuring that customers have the tools to identify potential issues related to holiday stress and are willing to provide support or resources can help them and their employees have a happier, less stressful holiday. stressful.

When to intervene

Knowing what to look for is the first step to resolving potential problems. There are a few key signs that may indicate that employees may be experiencing higher than normal stress or anxiety, including:

• Changes in typical behavior, such as becoming unusually irritable or withdrawn
• Changes in appearance or hygiene
• Lack of focus or concentration
• Unusual tension with other colleagues
• Changes in work quality/reduction in productivity
• Absenteeism/presenteeism

While these signs can help managers and supervisors identify employees who may be facing challenges this season, it is important to proactively provide valuable resources to all staff to ensure everyone has access to help when needed.

How to help clients support their employees

There are a number of steps brokers and advisors can advise their clients to help boost morale and reduce employee stress during this time of year. For HR professionals, managers and supervisors, leading by example by prioritizing compassion and support can go a long way in creating a company-wide culture of understanding that takes into account what employees can live currently, on and off the job. Here are some possibilities to keep in mind, but consider what will be best for each team’s unique members to help during this hectic season.

Practice flexibility. Set realistic expectations and implement policies, whether formal or informal, to show your support for employees. For example, many employees may have children at home during winter break with limited child care assistance. To help them manage more effectively, try offering flexible hours during the holidays to accommodate their schedules.

Encourage breaks. Ensure that employees take their earned leave; this is essential to avoid burnout. Emphasize the importance of staying home when sick to avoid spreading illness within the team while giving that employee the time they need to be healthy.

Beyond time off work, encourage the team to minimize calls and meetings when possible – these often eat up productive time that employees need to wrap up their end-of-year projects. Additionally, ask everyone to cut down on after-hours emails that add stress and pressure to an already busy season. Finally, motivate the team to work together to prioritize projects, manage outstanding deadlines that create additional stress, and share the workload so that no one employee bears the brunt while others take time off.

Take time to relax. Provide opportunities to boost morale and reduce stress for the entire team, for example by incorporating group wellness breaks or encouraging employees to take walks outside. Taking the time to meet as a group over coffee or organize a holiday lunch can also have a positive impact.

Provide access to valuable resources. Introduce or remind employees about available benefits and other programs that may be especially helpful to them and their families at this time. These offers may not be a priority during this busy season, so now is the time to communicate with employees to ensure they know what resources they have access to, including but not limited to :

• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) often offer short-term help to address a number of personal or professional issues, including stress, depression, family issues, substance abuse, and more. Services often include confidential counseling with a licensed professional counselor over the phone and/or in person to help someone through a difficult time. For employees who may need additional support, EAP specialists can refer participants to qualified long-term help.
• Wellness Resources and Apps provide fitness tips and other suggestions to help employees take better care of themselves physically, which can also impact their mental state.
• Financial Wellness Programs can help them budget and plan their vacation expenses.

While these efforts can make a positive difference for many employees facing temporary stress, it is important to intervene, where appropriate, if individuals are showing signs of a more serious problem. Prolonged issues should be resolved as soon as possible for the health and safety of the employee. For organizations with an EAP, HR or managers can help guide employees to available resources to help them respond or resolve a wide variety of issues. The EAP can also help provide expert suggestions, training, support and more, now and throughout the year.

With the holidays officially in full swing, many employees may be feeling the stress of the season weighing on them, but brokers and advisors can help their clients ensure employees are supported and aware of resources who can provide them with valuable assistance during this and throughout the period. year, leading to happier holidays for all.

Laura Calcaterra, clinical director, Health Advocate EAP+Work/Life Services, is a licensed professional counselor and certified employee assistance professional who has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including EAP and 24-hour crisis support 24/7 for over 25 years.