The holidays are usually full of celebrations, joy, and quality time with loved ones. However, traditions are beginning to change due to the many stressors and anxieties people experience during the holiday season. As an employer, it’s important to recognize these challenges and find ways to provide extra support for your employees during this time.
Give the gift of appreciation
Acknowledging your team’s commitment to your organization, especially during the holiday season, will go a long way towards providing happiness and alleviating stress.
At MMA Midwest, we use a “high five” appreciation program where employees can send an electronic thank you note or message of appreciation to a team member to highlight an accomplishment, a milestone, or simply a job well done. Other gestures that can have a huge impact include handwritten notes, a shout out during a team meeting, or a gift card to a favorite takeout spot.
Make time for mindfulness
With a majority of employees taking advantage of remote work, it can seem like a constant juggling act between work deadlines and the responsibilities of everyday life. Add an endless holiday to-do list, and it can seem impossible to keep all these balls in the air at once.
Think about ways you can alleviate some of this stress for your employees. Many organizations are offering flex schedules, where employees can work during the hours that are most convenient for them. It’s also important to encourage employees to take time off, even if they’re not able to travel. A staycation and a few days away from work emails can have a significant impact on mental health and help avoid burnout.
In addition to flexibility and time off, many employers are introducing new wellness and mental health activities to help employees manage stress during the workday. MMA Midwest wellness program recently added a free digital yoga membership where employees can enjoy yoga, mindfulness, and meditation classes a few times a week.
Spread holiday cheer (virtually)
With the popularity of remote work, it’s possible your workforce works from different areas of the country. It is still important to have comradery between colleagues. It may require some creative brainstorming, but virtual celebrations are a great way to show appreciation and spread holiday cheer.
The holiday season has certainly changed throughout the years, but employers are stepping up to the challenge and finding ways to reinvent traditions and support their employees. To learn more about how MMA is helping our employees and our clients during this challenging time, contact an MMA advisor today.
