If you’re hurtling like a juggernaut towards the end of the year with a demanding to-do list flashing before your eyes as soon as you hit your head on the pillow, you’re not alone.
2024 has been a year of turmoil, with elections in the UK and US, a new UK government, and the Autumn Budget adding to the uncertainty. Add to that the whirlwind of client lunches, celebratory drinks, networking events, meetings, deadlines, planning sessions, the annual gift-buying rush, school birthdays, and hosting duties, and suddenly, “the most wonderful time of the year” may be upon us. I don’t feel that great.
With all of these demands, shutting down during the holiday season can be a challenge, but as a leader, you owe it to yourself, your team, and your family to do it.
Beware of monkeys
Unlike some animals, we can’t go into full hibernation mode this time of year, but we can still be a little easier on ourselves. By allowing some time to pause, rest, and reflect on where we are and where we want to be, we can emerge stronger, with a new perspective and renewed strength.
In a poll conducted by Mental Health UK, 77% of people felt their mental health deteriorated at Christmas. It’s not surprising when you consider the enormous pressure to juggle all those frustrating things at work, on top of what’s going on at home.
Although it may be tempting to rid ourselves of this pesky “monkey” by delegating a task or problem to others, it is better to consider whether these “monkeys” are truly urgent. If not, write it down and deal with it in the new year. Don’t let the monkey keep you from Christmas dinner!
Right to shut down
With 57% of UK employees working either ‘sometimes’ or ‘a lot’ while on annual leave, leaders should also call on the whole team to actively step away from emails and disconnect from work as much as possible while on holiday.
That means you too!
Such is the pressure to be “always on” and the increasingly blurred lines between home and work due to remote and hybrid working, that the Labor government is set to introduce measures around the “right to switch off” in the next phase of Making Work. Work payment plan.
Get ahead of these changes and start implementing your own proposed policy guidelines now. And try to practice what you preach. Will it be easy? Probably not, but whether it’s turning off your phone completely or restricting yourself to specific check-in times, resisting the urge to constantly be on will get progressively easier and will make a real difference to your work-life balance.
All is quiet, all is bright
Mental Health UK’s ‘Burnout Report 2024’ found that one in five UK workers have taken time off due to stress. Additionally, independent research by Breathe reveals that only 35% use their full annual leave, yet 58% would take up to five extra unpaid days if they were offered it. A gap that highlights the dangerous disconnect between what employees need and what they feel is acceptable.
But here’s the twist: Giving employees the freedom to take time off when they need it can work wonders. Studies show that using annual leave can boost productivity by up to 40%, reduce fatigue and irritability, and reduce sick leave by 28%.
Employers must therefore foster a culture in which vacation taking is not only encouraged, but guilt-free. Remember, not everyone celebrates the holiday season, so providing flexibility in holiday scheduling can be another plus point for your team.
By leading by example, employers can create a healthier and more productive workplace, laying the foundation for long-term success. So, take that break and enjoy some well-deserved free time, guilt-free!
Thank…to yourself too!
Let us not forget that this season is, first and foremost, a time for celebration. Recognize those victories, no matter the challenges, and give yourself a pat on the back!
And it’s not just about work. Personal achievements and goals are also important. Striving for this imaginary balance is crucial to our well-being and is something most of us need to improve upon. Whether it’s pottery or skydiving, maybe 2025 will be the year you finally take up that new hobby?
In summary
Accept the fact that not everything will be planted perfectly by the end of the year, and that’s totally okay!
Focus on what really matters and leave the rest in the backseat. Encourage your team to do the same and lighten the collective burden. This approach will leave everyone feeling brighter and you’ll come back in the new year healthier, happier, and more energetic.
This season, lead by example and remind your team how important it is to make time for themselves. Above all, give yourself permission to rest, celebrate what you’ve achieved, and strive for a better work-life balance in the coming year.
You deserve it!
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