Watching signs of holiday stress in your work group is well-advised during this time.  You and your employees are facing one of the busiest times of the year, and one of the most emotional as well.  Think about the extra stress that comes with frequent parties, family gatherings and shopping.  Think about how quickly the stress can build up when there’s a financial strain, too much alcohol, or family relationship issues. 

Everyone experiences stress differently and for varied reasons.  To help you be at your best as both a manager and a holiday participant, identify your own holiday stress (expenses, family dynamics, time management, for example).  Then think about how you deal with stress generally, and focus on your positive coping strategies such as turning to your supports for comfort, taking breaks, counting to 10 before responding, setting priorities, and knowing you’re doing the best you can.  At the same time, minimize negative stress relievers like the overuse of alcohol, burning the candle at both ends, trying to please everyone and forgetting to take of yourself. 

What can you do to help your work group? 

– Remind your group about holiday stress and make your EAP number visible. 

– Have non-alcoholic drinks available at work gatherings, knowing that one in ten people can’t drink safely. 

– Try to avoid adding extra work pressure at the end of the year, if it can possibly be put off until next year. 

– Encourage people to take their vacation time to refresh.  Nothing much happens during the last 10 days of the year anyway. 

Do you need to talk about your holiday stress?