Merry and Bright (At Work)

The holidays can feel magical, but they can also bring stress—especially at work. If you’ve ever found yourself juggling year-end deadlines, gift shopping, and family gatherings, you might relate to my aunt's Christmas tree debacle. One year, after the entire process of decorating her Christmas tree, she climbed the ladder to place the star on top, and fell—into the tree. The ornaments went flying, and she was left tangled in the mess. It was years before she put up another tree.

Many employees feel like my aunt during the holidays—overwhelmed, tangled in stress, and unsure how to climb out of the chaos. As a leader, it’s your job to help your team navigate this season while maintaining morale and productivity. Here are three common holiday pressures and actionable tips to lead your team through them.

1. Financial Pressures

Holiday spending adds up fast—gifts, travel, meals, and more. With 78% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, this time of year can feel especially heavy. Leaders can help lighten the load:

• Be Transparent About Bonuses

If your company offers end-of-year bonuses or perks, communicate early. Providing these bonuses before Black Friday can help employees plan their holiday budgets.

• Provide Financial Education

Offer workshops or resources on budgeting and financial wellness. Empowering employees with tools to manage their finances pays off in the long run.

2. Emotional Pressures

While the holidays are joyous for some, others may feel lonely or reflective about what’s missing. Emotional pressures can affect engagement and morale, but small gestures can make a big difference:

• Be Flexible

Offer flexible hours or remote work options when possible. Even small accommodations can ease the strain of balancing work and personal obligations.

• Show Appreciation

Simple, meaningful recognition—like handwritten notes or verbal thanks—reminds employees of their value during a potentially challenging time.

3. Relational Pressures

Family gatherings can be wonderful—or wildly stressful. From in-law tensions to overcommitted schedules, relational dynamics often add to holiday exhaustion. Support your team by fostering a sense of community at work:

• Build a Work Family

Host low-pressure team activities, like potlucks, cookie swaps, or gratitude walls. A supportive workplace culture helps employees feel less isolated.

• Focus on Mental Health

Partner with counselors to provide holiday wellness workshops or resources. Giving employees tools to manage stress before it peaks can make all the difference.

As the holidays approach, remember: your leadership can create a ripple effect that helps your team not only survive the season but thrive through it. So, deck the halls with intention, lead with compassion, and maybe skip climbing any ladders.

Here’s to a merry, bright, and stress-free holiday season for your team!

Brandon