Managers, Give the Gift of Peace and Quiet This Holiday Season

Dear Managers, skip the fruit baskets and scented candles this year. Give the gift that truly matters: silence. Yes, silence. Before you dismiss this idea as a joke or think silence isn’t on the budget, let’s take a moment to reflect on what your employees actually need this holiday season.

The modern workplace is drowning in noise. Emails are pinging at all hours, Slack messages demand immediate responses, and there’s always a “quick check-in” that ends up taking an hour. And let’s not forget that sound. You know the one. The intrusive, soul-piercing “ding” of Microsoft Teams. Just hearing it is enough to send an employee’s stress levels skyrocketing. Employees are overwhelmed, overstimulated, and burned out. The solution isn’t another wellness webinar or branded mug—it’s the simple act of stepping back, logging off, and allowing employees to truly recharge. If you really want to show your team you care, silence might just be the most meaningful and impactful gift you can give.

Burnout is a growing problem in workplaces worldwide. According to a 2023 Gallup study, 44% of employees reported feeling burned out at work, and the World Health Organization estimates that burnout costs the global economy $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. The constant barrage of communication and expectations doesn’t help. Even during the holidays, when employees should be spending time with family or recharging, many are tethered to their devices, anticipating last-minute requests or “urgent” tasks that are rarely urgent.

And seriously, who decided the Teams “ding” was a good idea? It’s the Pavlovian bell of modern corporate life, conditioning employees to drop everything at a moment’s notice. It’s the digital equivalent of someone poking you on the shoulder every five minutes, whispering, “Work can’t wait!” Imagine the serenity employees would feel if, just for a few days, they didn’t hear that noise. Blissful silence.

Research has consistently shown that disconnecting from work boosts productivity. Employees who are allowed to unplug come back to work more focused, creative, and effective. A study published in the Harvard Business Review found that time away from work is critical for maintaining cognitive sharpness and emotional balance. However, achieving this level of disconnection requires more than just good intentions—it requires managers to step up and actively create an environment where employees feel safe taking a break.

The importance of uninterrupted family time cannot be overstated. Deloitte’s 2024 Human Capital Trends report highlighted the strong connection between employee well-being and productivity. Employees who can fully immerse themselves in quality time with their loved ones during the holidays return to work with higher morale and a renewed sense of purpose. But this won’t happen if they’re fielding emails or attending poorly timed meetings late into December.

There are simple ways for managers to give their employees the gift of silence. Canceling unnecessary meetings is a good place to start. Nothing says “I don’t value your time” like scheduling a meeting at 4 p.m. on December 22nd to discuss next year’s strategy. Trust me, the strategy can wait until January. Similarly, stop sending emails at odd hours, especially ones that aren’t truly urgent. Even with disclaimers like “no need to reply until after the holidays,” these messages still create unnecessary stress and keep employees tethered to their devices. If you must send something, save it as a draft and revisit it when the office reopens.

If a full office shutdown isn’t feasible, managers can establish “quiet hours” during the holiday season. Designating times when no emails, calls, or Slack messages are allowed can provide employees with the space they need to decompress. This simple act of pausing the flow of communication can have a profound impact on employee well-being.

The value of giving employees space isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by data. The American Psychological Association found that 59% of employees consider workplace stress a significant detriment to their health. Reducing unnecessary communication is a straightforward way to alleviate some of this stress. Additionally, companies that prioritize employee well-being, including encouraging workers to disconnect, experience 21% higher productivity, according to research from the Corporate Executive Board.

It’s worth noting that employees remember how they’re treated during the holidays. When you treat them with humanity and respect, giving them the time and space they need to recharge, they’re more likely to return the favor with loyalty and enthusiasm in the new year. On the flip side, treating them like cogs in a machine can lead to resentment—and possibly a LinkedIn status update signaling they’re “open to work” before the holiday leftovers are even gone.

For the micromanagers reading this, I know the idea of silence might feel terrifying. What if work doesn’t happen while you’re silent? What if a project goes slightly off track? Take a deep breath and relax. You hired competent people for a reason. Trust them to deliver. A quiet leader is often a strong leader, and your team will thank you for giving them the freedom to recharge.

So, this holiday season, leave your employees alone. No surprise Zoom calls. No midnight “just checking in” emails. No last-minute requests for reports. And, for the love of all that is holy, let’s collectively turn off the Teams notifications. Instead, give them the gift of silence—the chance to recharge, reconnect with loved ones, and start the new year refreshed and ready to do their best work.

Silence doesn’t come wrapped in a bow, but it’s the one gift your employees will truly appreciate. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a thing.

Happy Holidays!

Sources: Gallup, “State of the Global Workplace Report 2023”; Harvard Business Review, “Why Resting More Can Help You Achieve More”; Deloitte, “2024 Global Human Capital Trends”; World Health Organization, “Burnout and the Global Economy.”