Do you find the Christmas period stressful, or is it just me?
Please don’t get me wrong – I love the festive season, and as a Christian, I believe in the significance of Christmas. I enjoy spending time with my family, admiring the shining Christmas tree and cherishing decorations that have been in my family for over 50 years.
The joy of seeing people happily receiving my gifts, the streets lit up with sparkling lights, and the festive markets all add to the magic. And let’s not forget the food: from Christmas Eve dinner to Christmas Day lunch, with desserts and traditional dishes that have passed down through generations in my family.
Yet, despite my love for Christmas, it also brings its share of stress.
Figuring out what to buy for everyone, navigating unbearably crowded shopping centres, managing luggage weight, hoping for smooth flights in the usual holiday travel chaos, no bad weather with cancelled flights or delays travelling to the airport – it’s a lot to handle.
Feeling as though I need to schedule numerous parties, from office to friends’ get togethers, in a very “short” month that in reality, feels like one of the longest of the year. The rush of the season can be overwhelming. By the time Christmas is over, I feel a mix of relief and sadness that it’s ending.
But for many, Christmas can be even more challenging. Family dynamics, lack of family, or work responsibilities might make it difficult to enjoy the season. Financial strain can be particularly tough, especially for those with children. Also, Christmas, being a Christian holiday, may not hold the same significance for people of other faiths. Even if you’d rather avoid Christmas altogether, it seems to be everywhere, making it hard to escape its presence. You almost need to be a hermit for at least a month.
Should companies cancel Christmas?
The festive season can bring joy, but it can also be a stressful time for employees due to increased financial pressures, social obligations, and work deadlines. During the Christmas season, many companies adopt a compassionate and supportive approach, recognising that while it can be a cheerful time, it is also a period that can bring about significant stress for many people.
ISO 45003 can help companies support their employees by providing a framework to manage psychosocial risks effectively, ensuring employee wellbeing during this period. Helping employees during this possibly stressful period (it does not have to be stressful for everyone) will help keep productivity and performance at high levels instead of the company experiencing a dip. When employees feel valued and their mental health is properly supported, they are more inclined to be productive and reach their full potential.
How can ISO 45003 help companies support their employees during Christmas?
Here’s a few suggestions for how companies can utilise ISO 45003 to assist employee’s wellbeing over the festive season:
Identify and Address Seasonal Stressors
Understand the unique pressures by assessing the specific stressors that could arise. If possible, introduce or reinforce flexible work schedules by adjusting work hours or offering remote work options. This can help employees balance their work and personal responsibilities, reducing stress.
Foster a Supportive Work Environment
Encourage open communication channels that allow employees to express their concerns about the season’s pressures. If possible, enhance access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). This provides employees with confidential counselling and support during stressful times.
Promote a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Encourage employees to take time off to spend with their loved ones, and if possible, reduce overtime requirements. This can prevent burnout, help employees enjoy their personal time, and take time to recharge their batteries.
Inclusive Celebrations
Respect diversity by organising celebrations that recognise and include employees of all backgrounds and faiths, ensuring everyone feels valued. Enjoy low-stress, optional festive events can help build team spirit without adding to employees’ duties.
Mental Health Initiatives
Signpost your employees to mental health awareness campaigns focusing on managing holiday stress. These offer tips and resources to help employees cope. And maybe look into organising mindfulness workshops or relaxation sessions that can provide employees with tools to manage their stress effectively.
By integrating initiatives with the guidance provided by ISO 45003, companies can create a truly supportive environment. This helps employees navigate the challenges of the Christmas season, and enhance overall wellbeing. It will also foster a positive workplace culture while maintaining exceptional productivity and performance levels.
Brookfields would like to take this opportunity to wish you a merry Christmas and prosperous New Year, filled with Inner Peace.
