December 12 2023

Give the gift of ‘belonging’ this Christmas

6 Reasons why the festive season can impact workplace wellbeing.

For many of us, the festive season is the most wonderful time of the year – family gatherings, sparkly decorations and joyous celebrations (the parties and the delicious tubs of chocolate). In the workplace, it is often seen as an opportunity to boost team morale and workplace wellbeing with social events, and rightly so.

But what impact does this have on members of your team from different cultural backgrounds or those who struggle with this time of year? Are you unwittingly spreading more Christmas Fear than Cheer?

A You Gov Survey revealed that 26% of people said that the Christmas period has a negative impact on their mental health – that’s a massive one in four of us! Improving wellbeing and creating a sense of belonging for all employees can be challenging, as there is a diverse range of identities, values, and beliefs in every workplace.

So, that camaraderie-creating office party might be great for most of your workforce, but for some, it can increase feelings of stress or not fitting in.

In this article, we will look at why Christmas can be difficult for some people and how understanding the different perspectives and stressors associated with the festive season can help you support them and boost workplace wellbeing.

Why is a sense of belonging important?

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs suggests that biological needs (such as water and food) and safety needs (such as freedom from fear and our health) must be met before the remaining needs of love and belonging, self-esteem and self-actualisation can be met.

However, more recent research says that belonging is in fact a fundamental human need and that not having a sense of belonging can have an extremely detrimental effect on us, both physically and mentally.

What does this mean for employers?

When we feel like we belong we see ourselves as an integral part of the organisation, much like a well-oiled gear in the mechanics of an engine – contributing to the smooth operation of the entire system. If we feel like we don’t fit in the system, then that can lead to friction and consequently, poor performance. (An overused analogy for sure but still relevant – not to be confused with the well-known idiom of “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” and all that).

Our sense of self comes from how well, or not, we feel we belong. This in turn impacts our ability to function in wider society. Therefore, the importance of creating a sense of belonging and investing in employee wellbeing should not be underestimated in terms of ‘people performance’, both from a negative and positive standpoint.

It is very easy to get carried away in all the excitement and glitz, but we do need to remember that for some people, the festive season can be a very dark and lonely place and without exercising sensitivity we may just make matters worse.

How often have you heard “Come on, stop being such a scrooge” when people are being encouraged to join in with the partying? Have you ever stopped to think about what the underlying reasons for their hesitance might be?

6 reasons why Christmas can be difficult for some people

Missing People

Missing those who are no longer with us, through either bereavement, estrangement, or separation can have a profound effect on how we feel about celebrating the festivities alone, leading to debilitating feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Supporting those who are missing someone starts with being mindful of your people – recognising that when someone is not their usual self and doesn’t want to engage in the festivities, there may be an underlying reason.

Take a little time out to talk to them. Genuinely ask if they are okay and if there is anything you can do to help. Listen carefully and look for opportunities to encourage social interaction. You could even invite them to help get involved with some aspect of the festivities if they feel able – simple inclusion like helping decorate the office may give them a sense of belonging and purpose. But remember not to be too pushy.

Family Life

Christmas is an incredibly stressful time of year for parents, especially those coping on their own.

The extra family commitments can be a real challenge leading to high levels of stress.

Juggling school parties, pantos, long shopping lists and just being ‘Santa’, and all the pressure that entails can sometimes feel overwhelming. Flexible working can be hugely helpful to parents at any time of year but can make all the difference during the festive season.

Even if you don’t offer flexible working as a rule, consider how you could make this work at Christmas to support the parents in your team. It’ll make those dreaded nightly ‘Elf on the Shelf’ photoshoots that little bit more bearable.

Extreme Workloads

For those who work in sectors such as retail and hospitality, the holiday season often brings with it not only the festive spirit but also a surge in workloads and demanding working hours. Amid the hustle and bustle, individuals in these sectors strive to ensure that everyone else has a great time, managing the rush of customers and maintaining the holiday cheer – often to the detriment of their own.

Minimise the stress in these types of industries by communicating early any expectations around working hours, overtime, and rotas. Make sure that the rotas are fair for everyone and try to avoid meetings altogether, unless they are absolutely necessary. Above all else avoid asking employees to attend meetings during lunch breaks, after they finish work or during their personal time.

Once the craziness is over, it’s important to recognise and appreciate the hard work and dedication of these employees. Whether it’s a New Year lunch, some much-needed extra holiday or a healthy bonus in their pay packets, make sure you reward your workforce for their efforts. At the very least a heartful thank you to each individual can go a long way in showing your appreciation during this busy time.

Challenging Finances

Christmas is expensive! This can be a real worry for many people, especially given the financial climate, where economic uncertainties may cast a shadow over Christmas-lit highstreets.

Be mindful that employees may be struggling financially, so try not to add any further costs or financial burdens on top of what they already have. Trying to make ends meet while providing for a family or loved ones can be incredibly stressful and place a strain on mental wellbeing.

Simple treats such as a free Christmas lunch or party and Secret Santas with budget limits are still possible without the added financial pressure on your employees.

Avoid organising expensive events where employees are expected to contribute to the costs. This can be very divisive and isolating for those who are struggling. Why not think outside of the box and come up with ways to create a special event without people having to dig deep into their pockets?

For next year, look at options for allowing employees to save directly from their wages via payroll into a savings account. Much like pension savings, employees don’t tend to notice that they are saving and it is a great way to start a healthy money habit (do take professional financial advice on this one).

Different traditions and beliefs

When religion or beliefs preclude someone from taking part in the festivities, it can lead to them feeling left out – quietly navigating their responsibilities while others immerse themselves in the celebratory atmosphere.

The challenge lies in finding a balance that respects diverse perspectives and ensures that everyone, regardless of their religious affiliations, feels included and valued during this festive season.

Creating an inclusive environment starts with understanding the different religious and cultural traditions within your workforce. Be proactive in asking employees about their culture and beliefs, and use this knowledge to plan holiday events or celebrations that are respectful to all.

It may be as simple as asking someone what they would like or how they could be included.

Neurodiversity

Christmas can create a very bustling, lively, and distracting environment, which can be extremely challenging for neurodivergent people – often, with ‘hidden’ conditions that are commonly overlooked when planning festivities.

Being mindful of the needs of your neurodiverse employees and ensuring there is at least one peaceful workspace that an employee who needs a break from the Christmas cheer can access, can protect them from the pressures of feeling like they have to join in.

Also allowing people to work from home during this period may be a great way to support those who struggle with sensory overload or anxiety in noisy and crowded environments.

It’s important to communicate that it is okay for employees to take breaks and not feel pressured to participate in all social events, as well as provide alternative options for celebrations, such as virtual parties or smaller gatherings.

Let’s make this Christmas inclusive for everyone

There are many different perspectives and stressors at play that can negatively impact an individual’s sense of belonging and mental wellbeing but sometimes all it takes to counteract this is having an open and honest conversation.

Feeling noticed, being understood, and knowing you have been genuinely heard is perhaps the strongest promotor of wellbeing in the workplace and building positive work relationships.

The festive season is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but it’s important to remember that not everyone experiences it in the same way. By being mindful, communicating openly and honestly, and creating an inclusive work environment, we have the power to give the gift of belonging to all our employees this Christmas. So have those conversations, listen respectfully and foster inclusion in your organisation.

As a professional member of the International Stress Management Association and holder of a CPCAB-accredited Level 5 Diploma in Mental Health & Wellbeing Awareness, I can help you develop a wellbeing strategy, undertake stress risk assessments to protect your workforce and provide stress awareness training. Get in touch at More Than Motivation for more helpful advice and support.