Stress-related to the holidays is currently at its peak. While the holidays are meant to be a joyful time, and for many people they are, HR must remember that they also carry a great deal of stress with them, even at work.

According to the American Psychological Association, before the pandemic struck, 30% of men and 50% of women reported experiencing more stress over the holidays.

The workers who remain in the office during holidays have even more work to perform with shorter deadlines since individuals are taking time off to celebrate with their families.

Moreover, the issue of inflation and the responsibility of buying and giving gifts to others adds to the stress. Not to mention those who are alone and grieving the loss of a loved one. Briefly, people might suffer from too much stress and pressure that impacts their work performance and overall productivity.

Therefore, during the Christmas season, HR professionals and managers must look out for anyone and assist those in need.

Holiday Stress Signals

The following are the key indicators that an employee is experiencing holiday stress that you should watch out for:

• Changes in personality, such as trying to withdraw or being irrationally irritated
• A change in appearance
• Focus deficit or loss of focus
• Missing due dates
• Decreases the quality of the work, and
• Absenteeism.

The earlier HR and management see these indications, the quicker they may intervene and guide these individuals toward beneficial resources.

How to Deal with Holiday Stress

So what can you do while managing open enrollment and other year-end HR chores to assist employees in managing holiday stress?

First, encourage managers and administrators to prioritize projects. Employees can manage work more effectively if they know what needs to be done and when is the due date.

Encouraging one another and providing or requesting assistance is another crucial strategy. Since schedules vary throughout the year, departments collaborating to complete projects are happier and less stressed workers.

Likewise, you may encourage your employees whose experiencing stress at work or in their personal lives to go for a walk or practice meditation in a private space.

And finally, have end-of-year festivities or staff appreciation events instead of Christmas parties.

Four Work Practices to Lessen the Holiday Stress

To reduce their stress throughout the Christmas season, you may encourage your employees to do the following:

• Be honest with yourself. Spend some time each morning planning your day and determining your limitations. People overworked themselves frequently over the Christmas season. Therefore, decide what you can and cannot accomplish in 12 hours. Make time for yourself and avoid thinking about work at that time.
• At work, you may treat yourself in small ways. Make space in your schedule for a short self-care before, during, or after lunch. It might involve stretching, a chair massage, a quick walk, a 10-minute power nap, reading a book, or even socializing. These brief breaks are a good method to relieve tension.
• Know that your feelings are valid. It's okay to feel whatever the holidays make you feel, whether it makes you joyous or sad. You're not required to act fake. This time of the year might evoke a variety of positive and negative emotions. Just remember that there is nothing wrong with how you are feeling. 
• Don't isolate yourself. Don't withdraw from others if the holidays aren't a good time for you. Ask a friend, family member, or professional that you trust for advice.