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Seasonal Stress in the Workplace - What to Do?

December 20, 2012

By: Omnia Group

Ahh, the holidays!  A festive, tranquil time of peace and happiness. The colorful lights, the cheer, the music, the shopping lists, the expenses, the commitments, the cooking, the cleaning, the... wait... there are how many parties? WHO IS COMING? YOU WANT WHAT? WHEN?? HOWWW??

Let's face it, as fun as this time of year is, it can also be mega, ultra, super stressful on your employees and in the workplace in general. On top of the logistical (though joyous) commitments of the holidays as well as the financial stressors there are added career pressures. It is both month- and year-end; there is a need to provide coverage for all the people who insist on spending quality time with their families during November and December. And the holidays can be a crazy, crying, sugary, caffeine and fat laden emotional roller coaster that renders some temporarily helpless (and somewhat unproductive).

Whether they celebrate Christmas, Hanukka, Kwanzaa or nothing at all, this can be a stressful time of year for colleagues and employees.

Here are a few tips to get you and your team through December with your sanity intact:

Don't

  • Make any sudden or sweeping procedural changes. Remember, some of these folks are just hanging on by a thread and managing the work they have.
  • Introduce any new career-related expenses (parking pass increases, dress code updates, charging for bathroom privileges, etc.)
  • Evaluate your employees' annual performance based solely on their year-end results. Make sure you are considering how they performed for the entire year. Remember, even your very best people can be a little distracted at... ooh, fudge!
  • Make major management decisions or changes, especially ones you come up with when you are high on sugar, caffeine or rum cake.
  • Decrease the amount of caffeine available in your office coffee. Seriously, were you considering that?  Are you crazy?

Do

  • Accept that this might not be your most productive month. Customers, managers and staff are on vacation, either in actuality or in spirit. Think of this as a time of good will and cheer, even if the numbers might be a little lower than you would like.
  • Offer a soothing, isolated space for serene reflection, meditation or hysterical crying/laughing jags (you might want something soundproofed).
  • If it is a naturally slow time in the office, explore some low-key team building. (We at The Omnia Group recommend daily Chicken Dancing. We're thinking of going pro.)
  • Designate a frantic pacing lane in the corridors. For everyone's safety, post signs saying, "You must look this panicked to use the pacing lane"
  • Take a moment, to let your team know how much they are appreciated. (Warning: This could lead to hysterical crying/laughing jags. Good thing you've got a designated space for that.)

And finally...

Do accept our warmest gratitude for your business and sincerest wishes for a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukka, Happy Kwanzaa and Bright Shiny New Year from The Omnia Group.

Omnia Group

For over 30 years, we’ve helped organizations across the world improve and optimize their workforce operations and company cultures. While we take a unique, scientific approach to hiring, development and retention, we also believe every business is a people business. Our passionate advisors always put people first.

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