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If you’re running like a juggernaut toward the end of the year with a demanding “To Do” list flashing before your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow, you’re not alone.
2024 has been a year of turmoil, with the UK and US elections, a new UK government and the autumn budget all fueling uncertainty. Add to this the whirlwind of client lunches, festive drinks, networking events, meetings, deadlines, planning sessions and the annual rush of gift buying, school Christmas activities and hosting duties, and suddenly the ‘most wonderful time of the year’ could be happening. don’t think it’s that great.
With all these demands, it can be challenging to unwind during the holidays, but as a leader you owe it to yourself, your team and your family to do just that.
Beware of the monkeys
Unlike some animals, we can’t go into complete hibernation at this time of year, but we can take it easy on ourselves. By taking some time to stop, rest, and reflect on where we are and where we want to be, we can come out stronger, with a fresh perspective and renewed strength.
A Mental Health UK survey found that 77% of people felt their mental health worsened at Christmas. That’s not surprising considering the immense pressure of tying up all those frustrating loose ends at work, on top of whatever is happening at home.
And while it may be tempting to get rid of that pesky “monkey on our shoulder” by delegating a task or problem to others, it’s probably a better idea to consider whether these “monkeys” are truly urgent. If not, write it down and address it in the new year. Don’t let the monkey keep you from your Christmas dinner!
The right to switch off
With 57% of UK employees saying they ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ work during their annual leave, leaders should also advocate for the whole team to actively move away from emails and disconnect as much as possible from work during the holidays work.
That means you too!
With the pressure to be ‘always on’ and the increasingly blurred boundaries between home and work due to remote and hybrid working, the Labor government is about to introduce measures around the ‘Right to ‘in the next phase of their ‘Make Work Wage Plan’.
Get ahead of these changes and start implementing your own guidelines around the proposed policy now. And try to practice what you preach. Will it be easy? Probably not, but whether it means shutting off your phone completely or limiting yourself to certain check-in times, resisting the urge to be constantly ‘on’ will gradually become easier and make a real difference to the work-life balance.
Everything is calm, everything is clear
Mental Health UK’s “Burnout Report 2024” shows that one in five British workers took time off due to stress. Furthermore, independent research from Breathe shows that only 35% take up the full annual leave, while 58% would take up to five additional unpaid days if this were offered. A gap that highlights a serious discrepancy between what employees need and what they find acceptable.
But here’s the twist: giving employees the freedom to take time off when they need it can work wonders. Research shows that using annual leave can increase productivity by up to 40%, reduce fatigue and irritability, and reduce sick leave by 28%.
Employers must therefore foster a culture where taking time off is not only encouraged, but truly guilt-free. Keep in mind that not everyone celebrates the holidays, so offering flexibility in holiday planning can be another plus for your team.
By leading by example, employers can create a healthier, more productive workplace, laying the foundation for long-term success. So take that break and enjoy some well-deserved, guilt-free time off!
Thank you… also to yourself!
Let us not forget that this season is above all a time of 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 also count. Striving for that illusory balance is critical to our well-being and something most of us need to improve. Whether it’s pottery making or skydiving, maybe 2025 is the year to finally take up that new hobby?
In summary
Embrace the reality that not everything will be perfectly sown by the end of the year, and that’s totally fine!
Focus on what really matters and leave the rest in the background. Encourage your team to do the same and lighten the collective burden. This approach will leave everyone feeling clearer and you will return healthier, happier and more energetic in the new year.
This season, lead by example and remind your team how important it is to take time for themselves. Above all, give yourself permission to rest, celebrate what you’ve accomplished, and strive for a better work-life balance in the coming year.
You deserve it!