If you’re hurling like a juggernaut towards the end of the year with a ‘To Do’ list flashing before your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow, you’re not alone.
2024 has been a turbulent year, with UK and US elections, a new UK government, and the Autumn Budget, all fueling uncertainty. Add to that the whirlwind of client lunches, celebratory drinks, networking events, meetings, appointments, planning sessions, and the annual hustle and bustle of gift shopping, school birthdays, and hosting functions, and suddenly, “the best time of the year” can feel overwhelming.
With all these demands, it can be challenging to switch off during the holidays, but, as a leader, you owe it to yourself, your team, and your family to do just that.
Watch out for the monkeys
Unlike some animals, we can’t go into full hibernation mode at this time of year, but we can still walk around that easily. By allowing some time to stop, rest and reflect on where we are and where we want to be, we can emerge stronger, with a new perspective and renewed energy.
In a survey by Mental Health UK, 77% of people felt their mental health worsened over Christmas. It’s not surprising when you consider the enormous pressure to tie up all those frustrating ends at work, on top of whatever’s going on at home.
And while it may be tempting to get rid of that annoying ‘monkey on our shoulders’ by delegating a task or problem to others, it’s probably a better idea to consider whether these ‘monkeys’ are really urgent. If not, write it down and face it in the new year. Don’t let the monkey put you in your Christmas dinner!
Right to erasure
With 57% of UK workers said to work ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ while on annual leave, leaders should also encourage the whole team to get 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 lines between home and work increasingly blurred due to remote and hybrid working, the Labor government will introduce ‘Right to Switch off’ measures in the next phase of ‘action’. Work Payment System’.
Get ahead of those changes and start implementing your guidance on the proposed policy now. And try to practice what you preach. Will it be easy? Maybe not, but whether it’s locking your phone completely or limiting yourself to certain login times, resisting the urge to stay ‘on’ will gradually become easier and make a real difference to your work/life balance.
Everything is calm, everything 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 from Breathe reveals that only 35% use their full annual leave, yet 58% would take five extra unpaid days if offered. A gap that highlights the huge 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. Research shows that taking annual leave can increase productivity by 40 percent, reduce burnout and burnout, and reduce sick leave by 28 percent.
Employers should therefore foster a culture where taking time off is not only encouraged but not necessarily guilt-free. Remember that not everyone celebrates the holiday season, so providing flexibility in planning the holidays can be another plus point for your team.
By leading by example, employers can cultivate a healthier, more productive workplace, laying the foundation for long-term success. So, take that break and enjoy some well-deserved, guilt-free time!
Thanks…you too!
Let’s not forget that this season is primarily a time to celebrate. See that win, regardless of challenges, and give yourself a pat on the back!
And it’s not just about work. Personal achievements and goals are also counted. Striving for that elusive balance is essential to our well-being and something most of us need to improve on. Whether it’s pottery or skydiving, maybe 2025 is the last year for that new hobby?
In summary
Accept the fact that not everything will be well planted by the end of the year, and that’s totally okay!
Focus on what really matters and let others take a back seat. Encourage your team to do the same and reduce the collective burden. This method will leave everyone feeling refreshed and you will return to the new year healthier, happier, and stronger.
This season, be an example and remind your team how important it is to take time for yourself. Above all, give yourself permission to rest, celebrate what has been achieved, and aim for a better work/life balance in the coming year.
It’s worth it!
