How to Support Employees During the Holiday Season

2.5 minute read

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that Americans avoid gathering and traveling for the holiday season to help curb the spread of COVID-19. That may make for a lonely holiday season for some employees.

The holidays can already be stressful but given the additional pandemic stressors including working from home, loss of employment, financial woes, virtual learning, etc. and it can negatively affect employees’ overall health.

According to a report from employee experience software company Limeade:

• 42% of employees are less interested in socializing with friends
• 42% of employees have trouble sleeping
• 49% of employees have less energy to participate in non-work-related activities
• 1/3 of employees increased their consumption or use of alcohol and other substances

Unhealthy coping mechanisms can affect an employee’s personal and professional lives which makes it important for employers to support employees. This includes their mental health and well-being. For employers, there are many low to no-cost ways that employers can offer support right now.

• Regularly check in with your direct reports on a regular basis. Ask them how they are doing. Remind them that your door is always open if they need to talk about anything.
• To be a good example to other employees, it is important to model healthy behaviors. Discuss self-care, setting boundaries, how you avoid burnout, etc.
• Be transparent about your own personal struggles or experiences. This helps to decrease the stigma of mental health challenges. Expressing yourself can help other employees feel comfortable in opening up and really talking about how they are doing right now.
• A workplace virtual holiday event could be a safe way to celebrate the holidays and help combat some lonely or depressing feelings. Some simple ideas include ugly sweater contests, trivia contests, virtual gift exchange, holiday karaoke, etc.
• Communicate regularly with employees. Keep them informed about company news and updated pandemic policies.
• Employees should be made aware of what mental health care resources are available to them and be encouraged to use them.

Supporting employees during these difficult times has never been more important than now. Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.