How can employers wrap up the year with improved employee wellbeing?
One in three employees has revealed that the holiday season makes them feel more stressed due to the financial burden and increasing workload during the period, according to a new survey from Workhuman.
The poll, which surveyed 3,000 employees in the United States, United Kingdom, and Ireland, found 64% of employees citing the financial burden of the holiday season as a core stressor.
Another 33% said the increasing workload is a holiday burden, while 29% said meeting KPIs and end-of-year goals can be challenging.
The challenge on workload comes as 32% of employees said they will still be responding to work emails over the holidays, while 20% said they can't take much time off due to their large workload.
There is also a stigma in the workplace, as 15% said their team or management "looks down on them" for taking a holiday break. They said this is likely because:
- It's too busy leading up to the end of the year (55%)
- Others take it as a sign of "low commitment" (42%)
- It's simply not within the company norm (36%)
How to bring back the holiday cheer?
According to the report, employees are already expecting their organisations to boost their wellbeing, saying they can be supported by:
- Offering better benefits (45%)
- More recognition (36%)
- More flexibility (32%)
Traci Pesch, Practice Lead and Strategist, Workhuman, advised employers to ensure that their staff feel appreciated and supported during the holiday season.
"Whether it's work-related stressors or something personal going on in the life of an employee that makes this time extra difficult, leaders need to make a concerted effort to celebrate what makes those people such valuable contributors to their organisation," Pesch said in a statement.
"Setting the tone of recognition can make all the difference in company culture, as well as in employees' lives."