Are you supporting your employees this holiday season?

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, right? Well this isn’t the case for everyone.

During the festive period, individuals can experience work-related stress, loneliness, drastic shifts in routines, and many other factors that take can take a toll on their mental well-being.

With workplaces being increasingly busy as they prepare for the holiday period, then employees can end up feeling burnt out at the time when they should be getting the most rest and enjoying themselves.

Therefore, this time of the year is the perfect period for business leaders to reflect on how well they are supporting their employees, especially given that a healthier work-life balance has become a crucial factor in ensuring a motivated, productive, and stable workforce.

Cynthia Lapira, a Human Resources (HR) Consultant at Pursue Consultancy, on Friday sought to tackle this issue, highlighting five key areas that business leaders can work on in order to make the holiday season more enjoyable for their teams.

Presenting the tips in the form of a list, Ms Lapira started off by stressing that it is vital for business leaders to encourage flexibility during this time of the year.

“Amidst holiday planning and celebrations, flexibility in work schedules can make a world of difference,” she said, before explaining that business leaders need to consider allowing employees to have flexible hours or remote work when feasible, allowing them to “balance work and festivities”.

Ms Lapira also added employees also need to be valued and appreciated throughout the whole year, but especially during the festive period.

Therefore, business leaders must find some time to recognise the team’s hard work and dedication throughout the year. This can range from a simple “thank you” note or a small gift, all the way to a festive shoutout during meetings.

It is also integral for business leaders to plan some type of festive celebration that embraces diversity and inclusivity. These can be virtual or in-person, and range from holiday-themed lunches, virtual parties, or team activities.

These are events that create opportunities for the team to “bond and celebrate together”, Ms Lapira explained.

She also pointed out that during the holiday season, business leaders also need to communicate the company’s expectations so that the employees remain on track.

“With holiday season excitement, it’s essential to remind your team about company policies, deadlines, and expectations during this time. Clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page,” she continued.

Last but not least, Ms Lapira also highlighted that it is crucial for business leaders to support employees’ mental well-being.

“The holiday season can bring joy, but also stress for some,” she affirmed, before adding that business leaders need to remind their teams about the mental health resources available and to prioritise self-care during this busy period.

“Remember, the festive season is a time for joy, connection, and gratitude. Let’s make it special for our teams by fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment!” she concluded.

Ms Lapira has worked as HR Consultant at Malta-based HR and recruitment company Pursue Consultancy for the past four months, having amassed years of experience working in the HR field. She has successfully led HR departments within large-scale operations, and is now on the mission to bridge the gap between business objectives and HR strategies.