Employers, therefore, have a unique opportunity to help. By addressing the mental health at Christmas and providing support, they can improve retention, boost morale, and even improve productivity across teams. Here’s a closer look at the data on burnout during the festive season, the factors affecting mental health, and some practical steps employers can take to make a difference.

The Christmas Crunch: Burnout by the Numbers 

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but burnout rates tell a different story. Here are some insights that might surprise you: 

• Increased Burnout: Data from the American Psychological Association shows that 57% of people feel “unproductive and overwhelmed” during the holidays, with work-related burnout peaking for many right before Christmas . 

• Gerity: Women, in particular, experience higher levels of stress at Christmas, as they often juggle professional and family responsibilities. Studies from King’s College London show that women report feeling 25% more stressed than men during the holiday period due to the added pressure of planning, cooking, and shopping . 

• *Retention R workplace research suggests that 30% of employees consider changing jobs during the holiday season due to burnout or mental health strains. Left unchecked, the impact of health challenges at Christmas on an employee’s decision to stay can be significant. 

• Given this reality, it’s clear that organisations need to consider the unique stressors their employees face at this time of year, especially as holiday burnout can lead to longer-term mental health struggles if not managed well. 

Why Burnout and Mental Health Challenges Peak in December 

Christmas, while often considered a break, brings a surge of activity for many. From financial worries to holiday logistics, the season can become overwhelming, particularly for those juggling family expectations and work deadlines. Social obligations and the “Christmas crunch” at work converge, creating a high-stress environment where mental health can deteriorate rapidly. 

The lack of downtime and the constant pressure to be both productive at work and prepared at home can feel like an uphill battle. Additionally, for those who may already be managing mental health challenges, the holidays can exacerbate symptoms, impacting their performance and well-being. 

Supporting Employee Mental Health at Christmas: What Employers Can Do 

To address mental health at Christmas, employers can offer targeted wellness support that helps employees manage seasonal pressures more effectively. Here’s how: 

• Flexible Scheduling: Allowing employees to work flexible hours or reduce their workloads during December can ease pressure, especially for those managing additional personal responsibilities. 

• Wellness Workshops and Resources: Through Your Work Wellness, organisations can access tailored workshops designed to help employees maintain balance. For instance, the Thrive Communications programme has been invaluable to clients like Orrick and EY, empowering employees with practical strategies for managing holiday stress. 

• Encouraging Self-Care and Boundaries: Offering wellness stipends, such as for mindfulness classes or fitness, can go a long way in reducing stress. Encouraging employees to set boundaries—such as avoiding work emails on weekends—can also protect mental health. 

• Providing Mental Health Support: Collaborating with wellness experts to provide resources, from stress management sessions to holiday nutrition advice, is another way organisations can support their teams. Helping employees make better food and lifestyle choices directly supports mental health at Christmas, keeping them energised and resilient. 

• Building a Positive Holiday Culture: Instead of expecting participation in every holiday event, employers can encourage team bonding activities that are low-stress and supportive. For instance, incorporating wellness-focused events like a lunch-and-learn session on holiday nutrition or a guided meditation session can help alleviate the demands of the season. 

The Long-Term Impact of Supporting Mental Health at Christmas 

Supporting employees’ mental health over the holiday season isn’t just a seasonal initiative—it builds trust, shows commitment, and fosters loyalty. If employees feel cared for and understood, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated. Additionally, addressing burnout proactively helps prevent long-term absenteeism and protects team morale. 

For companies, this is an opportunity to turn a challenging time into a positive one. By investing in wellness now, organisations build a supportive culture where employees feel valued and prepared to tackle the new year with renewed focus. 

Key Takeaways for Employers 

• December is peak stress season: 42% of employees report feeling the most pressure during this month, and 30% may even consider leaving their roles. 

• Women feel extra strain: Balancing family expectations with professional responsibilities makes the season especially challenging. 

• Preventive support works: Offering flexible schedules, self-care resources, and wellness workshops can significantly reduce burnout. 

• Build a culture of support: Employees who feel valued are less likely to leave, even during high-stress periods. 

In addressing the mental health at Christmas, how can your organisation create an environment where employees feel supported, not just for the holiday season but well into the new year? 

Kumud Gandhi is a Nutritional Food Scientist bestselling Author, Broadcaster, and Keynote Speaker on the subject of nutritional health for productivity & performance in the workplace.  In 2010 Kumud founded ‘The Cooking Academy’ a cookery school that focusses on cooking for nutritional health and wellbeing.  Kumud regularly presents to international audiences on a variety of topics such as ‘Eating for Immunity and a Lifetime of Wellness’. She is an expert in the field of Wellness in the Workplace and works with organizations to create transformational change in employee health & well-being through nutrition and health coaching.

References: 

1. American Psychological Association on Holiday Burnout 
2. King’s College London on Gendered Stress 
3. UK Workplace Research on Employee Retention