Christmas is a time of year for us to cherish the time we spend with family and friends. The reality is the journey can be overwhelming and expensive but is it worthwhile in the end? For some the jury is out on that one…
Joy
- Social connection: More time with friends, family, and colleagues through gatherings and celebrations.
- Tradition & meaning: Many people find comfort and happiness in rituals, lights, music, and shared cultural experiences.
- Generosity: Giving and receiving gifts, volunteering, and acts of kindness boost positive emotions.
- Break from routine: Time off work can help people recharge.
Stress
- Financial pressure: Gifts, travel, and events can strain budgets.
- Time pressure: Shopping, planning, cooking, and social events add to an already busy schedule.
- Family dynamics: Tense or complicated relationships can increase stress (or let’s be honest you don’t enjoy being with certain relatives!)
- Expectations: Feeling obligated to be cheerful or “do it all” can cause emotional fatigue.
In the workplace, the impact is a mixed bag……
Positive Impacts
- Higher morale: Decorations, team lunches, and holiday events can boost mood and strengthen team relationships.
- Sense of belonging: Shared celebrations can reinforce workplace culture.
- Motivation boost: The anticipation of time off or year-end bonuses can increase engagement.
Negative Impacts
- Reduced productivity: Holiday distractions, time off, and end-of-year fatigue can slow output.
- Scheduling challenges: More employee leave requests can lead to understaffing or scheduling conflicts.
- Financial or social pressure: Gift exchanges or mandatory social events can cause stress for employees who feel uncomfortable participating.
- Burnout risk: Let’s not forget industries like retail, hospitality, and logistics face heavier workloads and increased customer volume during the season.
⭐ Summary
Christmas tends to be a joyful but stressful period, and workplaces often feel the effects through shifts in morale, productivity, staffing, and social dynamics. The overall impact depends heavily on company culture, job type, and individual circumstances. That’s said as a HR professional I would encourage some workplace communication to communicate the businesses expectations and an opportunity to say “thank you.” See below for my take on communicating with employees in December.
Holiday Season Guidelines & Expectations
Hello Team,
As we enter the holiday season, we want to ensure everyone enjoys this time of year while keeping our workplace running smoothly. Please take a moment to review the following expectations and guidelines.
🎄 Time Off & Scheduling
- If you plan to take leave during December or early January, please submit your requests as early as possible so we can manage staffing needs fairly and effectively.
- Approval will be based on operational requirements and team coverage.
- If schedules or duties need to be adjusted, your manager will communicate changes promptly.
🎁 Workplace Celebrations
- Participation in holiday activities (e.g., gift exchanges, secret Santa) is optional.
- We aim to make celebrations inclusive. Please be respectful of all cultural and personal preferences during this season.
✨ Professional Conduct
- While we want everyone to enjoy the festivities, normal workplace behaviour and standards still apply.
- If attending a company-sponsored event, please celebrate responsibly and represent the organisation positively.
🌍 Inclusivity & Respect
Not everyone observes the same holidays. Let’s be mindful of diverse traditions and avoid assumptions about colleagues’ beliefs or preferences. A simple “Happy Holidays” works beautifully when in doubt.
🧘♀️ Well-Being
The holiday season can be joyful but also stressful. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, please reach out to your manager or use available wellness resources. Supporting each other is especially important this time of year.
🙏 Thank You
We appreciate your hard work and dedication throughout the year.