Stress Less, Celebrate More: 7 Ways to Promote Psychological Wellness at Work This Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… right? For some, yes, but the holidays can also be pretty darn stressful. In lieu of holiday magic, this time of year many people struggle with challenging family dynamics, resurfacing grief and negative associations with past holidays. Between end-of-year deadlines, family commitments and financial pressures, it’s easy for the joy of the season to feel overshadowed by stress. As a leader, you have the opportunity to make a real difference by supporting employee wellness during this busy time.

Here are some practical strategies to help your team feel valued, balanced and ready to face the new year:

1. Encourage Mental Health Breaks

The holiday season can be overwhelming, making it essential for team members to have time to recharge. Promote mindfulness or relaxation activities by providing access to meditation apps or organizing stress-relief sessions like yoga or breathing exercises. Lead by example: take breaks yourself and remind employees to step away from their desks. Sometimes, a few moments of quiet reflection can work wonders.

2. Address Financial Stress

We all know that the holidays can pose a strain on finances. Help alleviate this by offering financial wellness resources, such as budgeting workshops or access to financial advisors. Become an expert on these type of resources offered through your Employee Assistance Program so you can speak about them with confidence. If your workplace organizes gift exchanges, opt for no-cost creative alternatives like "acts of kindness" challenges or handmade gift swaps (holiday silliness is a great tool to combat stress!). Avoid creating pressure to participate, and ensure everyone feels included without financial burden.

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