Balancing Work-Life During the Holidays

While planning trips, paid time off, and considering financial obligations. It can also be difficult to enjoy family time when you’re preoccupied with work. If you’re a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you might also be concerned about how this stress might affect your team leading up to and following the holidays.

Employers/Managers:

• Be flexible. Happy team members are productive, and no one will be getting more work done when they’re worried they can’t follow through on their plans.
• Communicate: Effective and early communication about holiday time off and other issues will help avoid confusion and workload issues
• Remind team members about the EAP and encourage utilization during stressful times
• Encourage family time: It’s nice to do something for your team during the holidays to show your appreciation but adding obligations like too many parties, or gift exchanges can add to their stress. Prioritize time away from the office when possible.

Employees:

• Communicate: Effective and early communication about holiday plans and vacation time will help avoid confusion and workload issues
• Ask your supervisor or HR department about your company’s EAP and use it! They can help you de-stress and plan solutions for work-life balance during the holidays.
• Talk to your boss and colleagues about expectations around the holidays. How can you prepare your workload and if you need a backup so that you can completely unplug during your personal time?
• Prioritize your well-being. The holidays are meant to offer a break from work to unplug, recharge, and relax so that you can be your best self.