Managing Stress During the Holidays: Leading with Care

Dr. Julie Donley

AUTHOR & COACH

Managing Stress During the Holidays: Leading with Care

Strategies for leaders to ease holiday stress, prioritize tasks, and foster a supportive team environment.

​

The holiday season can be both a time of joy and a period of heightened stress. For many, it’s a juggling act of personal commitments, year-end work demands, and the emotional weight that this time of year can bring. As a leader, you have the unique opportunity to ease this stress for your team while maintaining a productive and supportive environment.

1. Recognize the Stressors​
Understanding the sources of holiday stress is the first step. Work deadlines, personal obligations, financial pressures, and even feelings of loneliness or loss can weigh heavily on individuals. When these stressors overlap with professional demands, it’s no surprise that morale can dip.

2. Focus on Prioritization​
As a leader, you can help your team focus on what truly matters during this time. Encourage realistic prioritization:

• Identify what must be accomplished before year-end and set clear, achievable goals.
• Pause or postpone lower-priority projects to alleviate unnecessary pressure.
• Help team members identify tasks that can be delegated or simplified.

When you model this balanced approach, you give your team permission to focus on what’s most impactful without becoming overwhelmed.

3. Promote Flexibility​
Flexibility is a powerful tool during the holidays. Wherever possible, consider offering accommodations like adjusted hours, remote work options, or additional time off. These gestures not only reduce stress but also demonstrate your understanding and care.

4. Model Self-Care​
Leadership is about setting the tone. When you take time to care for yourself—whether by setting boundaries, managing your workload, or simply taking a break—you show your team that self-care is not just acceptable but essential.

5. Communicate and Connect​
Open communication is key during stressful times. Check in with your team regularly to understand their workload and well-being. A simple, “How are you managing?” can create space for honesty and connection.

The Impact of Careful Leadership​
Leaders who manage stress effectively during the holidays foster a culture of care and appreciation. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and connected to their work.

Take a moment to reflect:​
​How can you ease stress for your team this holiday season while encouraging a positive and productive work environment?

Respectfully yours,

Dr. Julie

​
​Unsubscribe · Preferences​

​