Holidays stressing out employees
As Canadians put the last-minute touches on their holiday plans, the balance between holiday cheer and workplace commitments is causing some frayed nerves. A recent survey by Accountemps found that thirty-nine percent of workers say it’s more challenging to manage their workloads during the holiday season. The additional burden comes at a time when many professionals are already feeling the pinch: More than four in 10 respondents (41 percent) indicated their current workloads are too heavy.
Staffing firm Accountemps asked workers: “In general, is it more or less challenging to manage your workload during the holiday season?” Their responses:
| Much more challenging |
14% |
| Somewhat more challenging |
25% |
| No difference |
44% |
| Somewhat less challenging |
11% |
| Much less challenging |
6% |
|
100% |
Workers also were asked, “Which of the following best describes your current professional workload?” Their responses:
| Much too heavy |
12% |
| Somewhat too heavy |
29% |
| Just right |
47% |
| Somewhat too light |
9% |
| Much too light |
3% |
|
100% |
“The holidays can be an especially busy time for many workers, who are trying to balance business priorities with personal demands,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of Motivating Employees For Dummies (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). ”This time of year can be particularly challenging for accounting and finance professionals, who are managing year-end close, tax-season preparation, financial reporting requirements and other cyclical initiatives. Managers must ensure work is completed while also avoiding overtaxing internal staff, who may already be stretched thin.”
Accountemps highlights five “gifts” employers can give their teams to help manage end-of-the-year workloads:
- Support. Ensure staff have the resources needed to successfully complete their projects. Also consider bringing in skilled temporary staff who can assist with key initiatives and help maintain productivity.
- Time. Your employees may not feel they have enough hours in the day to meet all of the priorities competing for their attention. Help staff by encouraging them to leave early on a Friday or take an occasional long lunch to attend to errands.
- Flexibility. To help employees better balance work/life demands, offer flexible schedules or telecommuting options to staff whose jobs do not require them to be on-site.
- Thanks. Express your appreciation to staff members for their work throughout the year.
- Fun. Keep the mood around the office from becoming too serious. Close the year with a department celebration, such as a group lunch or gift exchange, to build camaraderie.
How are you feeling this holiday season? How are you managing the stress?
