Dealing with Holiday Stress in the Workplace

Posted on Jan 08, 2019 by Kathy DeGlandon


Holiday Stress in the Workplace The upcoming holidays are a joyful season, a time filled with family, friends, and happiness. However, the holidays are often stressful for many people and can make dealing with holiday stress in the workplace difficult. In a recent Consumer Reports survey, 90% of the Americans polled stated that at least one thing causes them stress during the holiday seaso ...


HOLIDAY STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

 

The upcoming holidays are a joyful season, a time filled with family, friends, and happiness. However, the holidays are often stressful for many people and can make dealing with holiday stress in the workplace difficult.  In a recent Consumer Reports survey, 90% of the Americans polled stated that at least one thing causes them stress during the holiday season.  Although you may think of stress as a negative, holiday stress can be both negative and positive stress. And even the most joyful events can be stressful to our minds and bodies, resulting in headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, short temper, and various physical ailments. It’s no wonder that holiday stress can result in a decline in productivity and work performance.

 

HOLIDAY STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

 

During the holiday season, holiday stress often seeps into the workplace. When we’re trying to concentrate, holidays anxieties are a distraction. Thoughts of: how will I cope with so many people visiting this yeargift-giving is getting more and more expensive, last year’s family gathering was difficult, can distract you if you let them. Once these thoughts start interfering with work, they can result in what’s known as “presenteeism”.   Presenteeism is when an employee is at work but is distracted by stress-related mental and physical ailments. Although the worker is present, his stress levels cause him to be less productive. So, how do you avoid holiday stress-related distractions at work?

 

Avoiding Holiday Stress in the Workplace

  • Be Alert –Distractions by personal and/or financial matters often cause you to overlook common workplace safe practices. Keeping your mind focused on your tasks will keep you safe and help
    reduce stress.
  • Stressed Out – Coworkers who are feeling holiday stress are more likely to get into accidents and conflicts. Keep an eye on your coworkers and assist them when needed.
  • Drive Defensively – Because of increased holiday traffic, those who drive for a living are more likely to encounter frustrated drivers. When driving be aware of your surroundings.
  • Plan Your Day – Having a plan and sticking to your routine will help to lessen workplace stress and keep you focused on work.
  • Listen and Watch – Managers can take an active part in minimizing workplace stress by listen to employees and watching for signs of lessening productivity. Understanding what your workforce needs to be successful in stressful times can assist in increasing holiday productivity.
  • Manage Your Expectations – setting goals and achieving them are important in all workplaces. During the holidays, manage your expectations, knowing that holiday stressors can affect performance.

 

 

Avoiding Stress during the Upcoming Holidays at Home

 

The best defense in reducing holiday stress is to take care of yourself.  By taking time for yourself, you’ll be more effective at work and more likely to enjoy your holidays. But, how do you take care of yourself during stressful times?  It all starts with your routine.

 

  1. Stick with Your Routine – When possible, keep on your typical eating, exercising, and sleeping schedule. Changing your routine increases irritation and anxiety, and taking time for yourself will help to maintain a positive attitude.
  2. Remain Positive – By keeping a positive mindset and focusing on the positive events of the past holidays, you’ll be able to remain joyful during the upcoming holidays.
  3. Forget about the Past – Forget about the negative events of previous holiday gatherings and approach this holiday with a fresh perspective. By letting go of your past arguments and negative feelings, you will be able to enjoy this holiday season with less stress.
  4. Be Realistic – Unrealistic expectations about how the holidays should be can lead only to frustration. Enjoying your family, friends, and the holidays instead of worrying about what should be happening will help you to avoid stress.

 

 

 

Whether your holidays are stressful or not, depends largely on how you handle this season’s stress.   Whether you’re dealing with positive or negative stressors, it’s important to take care of yourself so that you can make the most of these joyful times. In taking care of yourself and minimizing holiday distractions, you will be more productive in the workplace this upcoming holiday.

 

 

 

 

References

http://www.chopra.com/articles/7-ways-to-reduce-family-stress-during-the-holidays

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2011/11/americans-top-holiday-dreads-mdash-being-nice-makes-the-list/index.htm

http://www.toolboxtopics.com/Gen%20Industry

/Holiday%20Fun,%20Holiday%20Stress,%20Holiday%20Accidents.htm

http://www.allonehealth.com/news-media/2014/12/15/holiday-stress-guide.aspx

http://www.worksafe.govt.nz/worksafe/information-guidance/all-guidance-items/stress-and-fatigue-their-impact-on-health-and-safety-in-the-workplace/stress.pdf