The festive season is often seen as a time of celebration and joy – but for many employees, it can almost be a period of heightened stress. Balancing end-of-year workloads with family commitments, financial pressures, and social obligations can take a toll on mental and physical wellbeing.
From an occupational health perspective, recognising and managing seasonal stress is not just about employee comfort – it’s about safety, productivity, and reducing long-term risks of absence.
Understanding seasonal stress
Stress, fatigue, and emotional strain can affect concentration, decision-making, and interpersonal relationships. In some cases, unmanaged stress contributes to long-term absence from work, which is one of the most significant risk factors for ongoing ill-health.
Occupational health services can help organisations identify risks, provide support, and ensure that employees remain safe and productive during this challenging period.
Occupational health strategies for seasonal stress
Risk assessment and planning
An occupational health-informed approach begins with identifying potential stressors in your workplace. This can include workload pressures, shift patterns, remote working challenges, or employees with existing health conditions. Effective planning ensures resources are allocated to reduce risk and support staff.
Manager training and support
Managers are key to spotting early signs of stress and fatigue. Occupational health services, like WorkHealth, can provide training on:
- Recognising the signs of stress
- Having supportive conversations
- Making reasonable adjustments to workloads
- Managing ill-health absence
- The HR/occupational health interface
Access to tailored interventions
Occupational health services can provide or coordinate access to counselling, rehabilitation, and specialist services. For employees struggling with stress, anxiety, or mental health concerns, this support can prevent escalation and reduce the risk of long-term absence.
Return-to-work planning
If an employee is absent due to stress or other health issues, occupational health teams can:
- Liaise with GPs and specialists to ensure work-related factors are considered in treatment
- Develop return-to-work plans that are safe and sustainable
- Advise managers on appropriate workload adjustments and phased returns
Promoting resilience and wellbeing
Beyond intervention, occupational health services can help embed a culture of resilience through:
- Guidance on work-life balance
- Advising on workplace health initiatives
- Education on stress management and coping strategies
How we can help your employees
Supporting staff through seasonal stress isn’t just about short-term wellbeing – it’s about long-term health and workplace safety.
By proactively supporting employees during the festive season, organisations can create a culture of care that benefits both staff and the business. A thoughtful approach to managing seasonal stress not only protects wellbeing but also sets the tone for a productive and positive new year.
Special Offer – Reduced Rate until 31 January 2026
With the New Year fast approaching, WorkHealth are offering all individuals the opportunity to have a ‘Know Your Numbers’ Health Check. This will cover a pre appointment wellbeing and general health questionnaire, vital checks for height, weight, cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and urinalysis. Get ahead of the curve for your new year resolutions and know your numbers and health areas to work on in 2026.
Reduced price offer for LAW clients is £100 if booked before 31 January 2026.
Please contact WorkHealth directly to book your clinic slot.
