Supporting Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing during the Festive Period

This month, we speak with Paula, our expert HR consultant, as we explore the important topic of how to support employee mental health and well-being during the festive season.

Christmas, often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, can be challenging for some employees. Stress, loneliness, and financial pressures may heighten during this time, impacting mental health and overall wellbeing. As business owners, it’s essential to create a supportive environment that addresses these challenges and ensures your employees feel valued and cared for.

I sat down with Paula, to discuss the best practices for supporting employees

Paula said that “Understanding the challenges faced by employees is crucial for fostering a supportive, productive, and sustainable workplace. Employees are the backbone of any organisation, and their well-being directly impacts performance, engagement, and overall success.”

But what are the challenges?

Increased Stress: This time of the year brings financial burdens, tight deadlines, and a rush to meet year-end goals, which can leave employees feeling overwhelmed.

Loneliness: Not everyone has family or friends to celebrate with, making this period particularly isolating.

Work-Life Balance: Balancing personal responsibilities and work commitments can be tricky, leading to burnout.

Paula continued “there are practical ways that businesses can support employees and promote a culture of wellbeing during the festive season.”

1. Open Conversations About Mental Health

Create a safe space where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health. Remind them of the importance of self-care and let them know it’s okay to seek support.

Organise Mental Health Check-Ins: Consider one-to-one meetings to check in on employee wellbeing or a team coffee break offering the opportunity to simply talk and connect.

Promote EAP Services: Highlight access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide confidential counselling, including debt counselling and mental health resources.

2. Foster Connection and Inclusion

Loneliness can be particularly pronounced at this time of the year. Businesses can play a role in fostering a sense of belonging within the workplace. Take time to ask how employees are and ensure you really listen to the responses.

Host Inclusive Celebrations: Organise events that cater to all employees, regardless of their cultural or religious background. For example, a festive lunch, winter-themed activities, or virtual gatherings for remote teams.

3. Encourage Flexible Working

With increased personal commitments, offering flexible working options can reduce stress and help employees better manage their time.

Flexible Hours: Allow employees to adjust their schedules to accommodate personal needs, such as shopping or family responsibilities.

Remote Work Options: For those who travel or may have problems finding childcare, consider giving the option of working from home.

4. Create Opportunities for Relaxation

Help employees by encouraging mindfulness to reduce stress.

Dedicated Quiet Spaces: Set up a room where employees can take a moment to unwind, free from the hustle and bustle of work.

5. Acknowledge and Appreciate Employees

Recognition and gratitude go a long way in boosting morale.

Personalised Thank-You Notes: Show appreciation for employees’ hard work through personalised messages.

Team Recognition Events: Celebrate collective achievements with end-of-year gatherings or award ceremonies to acknowledge contribution/achievement.

6. Share Resources for External Support

Sometimes employees need additional help beyond what the workplace can provide. Share resources for external support:

Mental Health Helplines: Provide contact information for organisations such as Mind, Samaritans, or Shout.

Community Events: Highlight local initiatives like community dinners or volunteering opportunities that employees can participate in.

Conclusion

By proactively addressing the unique challenges of the festive period, businesses can foster a supportive and inclusive workplace that prioritises employee mental health and wellbeing. These initiatives not only help employees feel valued and supported but also contribute to a healthier, more productive workforce as the New Year approaches.

Our advisors are here to help. If your company would benefit from support on any of the practical solutions in this article, reach out to our team for expert guidance. We are here to ensure you offer the most compassionate, fair, and legally sound support for your team.

Let’s make this festive season a time of connection, care, and community in the workplace.