The Holidays Aren’t Always Merry: How Employers Can Support Their Teams During a Challenging Season

The holidays are painted as a season of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but let’s face it: for many, they’re also a time of stress, grief, and overwhelming pressure. As small employers, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of year-end goals and holiday parties, but not everyone on your team may feel like singing carols or basking in the glow of twinkling lights.

Here’s the truth: the holiday season is hard for a lot of people. Maybe it’s a strained family dynamic, financial struggles, or the loss of someone they love. Maybe it's seasonal depression rearing its ugly head. Whatever the reason, the holidays can amplify emotions, and as employers, we need to be attuned to that.

Acknowledge the Season's Complexity

Acknowledge that the holidays aren’t universally joyful. Don’t assume every employee is excited about gift exchanges or holiday potlucks. Create an environment where it’s okay for people to express themselves authentically, even if that means saying, “I’m just trying to get through December.”

Lighten the Load

The holidays often come with heavier workloads - year-end reports, last minute projects, or just the scramble to finish everything before a break. Pair that with personal obligations like shopping, hosting, and travel, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout.

Consider:

• Offering flexible schedules to help employees balance work and life.
• Prioritizing tasks so not everything feels like it’s on fire.
• Letting employees know it’s okay to take time off when they need it.

Remember, your team can’t pour from an empty cup - or a half-full cup they’re trying to save for their kids, partner, or sanity.

Be Sensitive to Financial Stress

Holiday gifts, travel, and traditions can create financial strain, especially for employees on tight budgets. If bonuses or holiday gifts aren’t in the cards, consider showing appreciation in other ways - like an extra day off or even just a heartfelt thank-you note. Trust me, no one’s going to miss the $20 Secret Santa THAT much. Small gestures often mean the most.

Address Grief with Compassion

For those who’ve lost loved ones, the holidays can be a stark reminder of who’s not there. If someone shares that this time of year is hard, listen. You don’t need to fix their pain - just show that you care. Sometimes the best thing you can do is say, “I know this season might be difficult for you, and I want you to know I’m here if you need anything.”

Don’t Force the Festivities

While holiday parties and decorations can boost morale for some, they can feel suffocating for others. Participation should always be optional.

Promote Mental Health Resources

If you offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), now’s the time to remind your team it exists. If not, share free mental health resources they can turn to. And as always, lead by example. Normalize conversations around mental health so your team knows it’s okay to ask for help.

The Gift of Understanding

This holiday season, the best gift you can give your employees is understanding. Recognize the weight this time of year carries and be intentional in supporting your team through it.

You can’t take away their challenges, but you can offer empathy, flexibility, and a reminder that they’re not alone. And if this season feels hard for you, too? Remember, that’s okay. You’re not just a business leader; you’re human.

Sending love, support, and a little bit of light during this season - however it looks for you.