The holiday season, with its shimmering lights and festive cheer, often arrives hand in hand with stress. For many employees, managing work commitments while juggling personal responsibilities during this time can easily become overwhelming. 64% of Americans report an increase in stress levels during the holiday season with 34% rating inflation as their number one stressor. As an employer, recognizing and proactively addressing these challenges through a well-crafted benefits strategy can make a substantial difference in supporting your workforce.

Balancing professional obligations with personal commitments, financial pressures, and the desire for quality time with loved ones can be a daunting task. It’s not uncommon for stress levels to soar as individuals strive to create the perfect holiday experience, all while maintaining their daily work routines. Providing support through tailored benefits can not only aid in your employees’ wellbeing, but retention and attrition too. Here’s how you can utilize various benefits to aid your workforce during this time.

Holidays can heighten stress levels in and out of the office. The pressure to meet deadlines before vacations, navigate office parties, manage increased workloads due to colleague absences, and handle personal commitments can significantly elevate stress levels. Recognizing these stressors and their impact on employees’ mental wellbeing is the first step toward effective support.

A National Alliance on Mental Illness survey found that 64% of those living with a mental illness reported that their conditions worsened around the holidays. Providing access to mental health support can be a game-changer. Consider offering counseling services either through employee assistance programs (EAPs) or partnerships with mental health professionals. Alternatively, consider providing subscriptions to mental health apps or online platforms that offer guided meditation, stress reduction techniques, or therapy resources, making support readily available to your workforce.

Fostering a workplace culture that normalizes discussions around mental health can be transformative. Encourage open conversations, destigmatize seeking help, and emphasize that taking care of one’s mental health is a priority. Creating support networks, such as employee-led mental health groups or forums, allows individuals to share experiences and strategies, promoting a sense of belonging and solidarity.

The holiday season often brings along heightened financial pressures for many employees. A poll conducted by the American Psychological Association reported that 58% of U.S. adults say that spending too much money or not having enough money to spend causes them stress. Managing expenses related to gift-giving, travel, hosting gatherings, and other seasonal activities can strain budgets and amplify financial stress. Employers can play a proactive role in supporting their workforce by providing practical resources and guidance to navigate these financial challenges during the holidays.

Flexible payroll options or assistance programs can make a significant impact. Providing access to short term loans or payday advances can offer temporary relief for employees facing unexpected financial burdens. These programs, when managed responsibly, can serve as a safety net, allowing employees to navigate the holiday period without undue financial strain. Encouraging savings programs or incentives during the year can aid employees in creating financial cushions specifically for holiday expenses, ensuring a more stable financial footing during this time.

Empowering employees with the necessary financial literacy skills can have far-reaching benefits beyond the holiday season. By offering tailored financial assistance and guidance, employers demonstrate care for their employees’ financial security.

Recognize the importance of work-life balance by allowing flexible scheduling or additional time off. Consider granting extra days around the holidays, allowing employees to spend quality time with their families or simply rest and recharge.

Allowing employees the flexibility to choose their schedules or providing extra days off encourages a healthy balance between work and personal life commitments. Recognizing the importance of these breaks not only enables individuals to cherish moments with loved ones but also allows employees to return to work refreshed and motivated.

Acknowledging and catering to the needs of employees with families can significantly contribute to their wellbeing during the holiday season. Providing family-centric benefits, such as childcare assistance programs, extended parental leave options, or organizing family-friendly events, demonstrates a commitment to supporting work-life balance. Offering flexibility around family-related obligations during the holidays, such as accommodating modified schedules or remote work options, allows employees to prioritize family time without compromising their professional responsibilities. Embracing and celebrating the diverse family structures within your workforce fosters an inclusive environment, recognizing that family dynamics vary greatly and ensuring that all employees feel valued and supported during this special time of the year.

Women often carry the full weight of holiday planning, adding to their already demanding roles. Recognizing the pivotal role women play as the holiday magic makers is crucial in supporting their unique needs during this time. Women often navigate a delicate balancing act, managing not only their professional responsibilities but also bearing the brunt of holiday planning and family-centric activities. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as adjustable schedules or remote work options, acknowledges the additional responsibilities they shoulder. This flexibility enables them to efficiently manage both work commitments and the demands of holiday preparations, alleviating some of the stress associated with these responsibilities.

As an employer, investing in the wellbeing of your employees during the holidays not only enhances morale and productivity but also fosters a supportive work culture. Tailoring benefits to address stress, mental health, finances, and recognizing the unique needs of women can make the holiday season more manageable and enjoyable for everyone. Check out the PlanSource Partner Marketplace to explore all of the benefits mentioned above and more for a well-balanced benefits package this holiday season, in 2024 and beyond.