Employee Wellbeing: Why the Holiday Season is no holiday for some

For a whole host of reasons, this time of year can be challenging for some. Because while most of us will be making merry, others will be experiencing a very different set of emotions.

One prominent issue is loneliness. The festive season, especially Christmas, emphasizes inclusiveness and togetherness, can be a stark reminder for some of their own lack of company.

For those with fractured family relationships or who have lost loved ones, the holidays symbolize family, making it hard not to feel isolated. Research conducted by Mind confirms this, with over one-third of people (36%) being too embarrassed to admit they are lonely at Christmas time.

Others may struggle with religious trauma. This time of year can be challenging for those who have been brought up in strict religious households but have been on a journey of faith deconstruction into their adulthood. Being forced to take part in religious-based traditions in order to see their family can leave them feeling emotionally drained and can lead to them feeling the need to pull away during this time.

Overall, more than two in five people feel stressed during the holidays and, according to a YouGov survey, just over a quarter say that the Christmas season actually makes their mental health worse. These stresses inevitably affect working life.

So, how can employers offer extra support during the holiday season?

The most important thing is for leaders to actively listen to their people.

When in a managerial role, it can be very easy to fall into the habit of asking closed questions to staff, such as “Do you have any plans for Christmas?”. Nine times out of ten the answer will be ‘yes’ even if that is not the truth, so managers need to take it a step further. Follow up with, “Oh, what are you up to?” – this immediately signals that you are genuinely interested and want to listen, and therefore you are now more likely to receive an honest answer.

Supporting your employees’ wellbeing is challenging – but essential. Even without all the answers, showing you care by asking the right questions can make a significant difference. Taking accountability for your team and being aware of their struggles can create a supportive environment.

A simple gesture, such as sending out a group text or email on Christmas Day could make someone feel that little bit less lonely amongst the festivities – and could be the biggest gift you give to anyone this year.

If you would like to discuss these topics further, please get in touch with us.