As the travel season approaches, take proactive steps to support your employees' mental health and reduce holiday stress.
The end of the year is often a time for reflection. However, for many, this time of year often brings heightened stress — especially for those balancing busy careers with holiday pressures, and those who need to travel. From juggling personal obligations to simply managing those final work commitments of the year, it can be hard to prioritize mental health.The GCC workforce is famed for its diversity – but whether your employees are celebrating a holiday this season or keeping business flowing while their colleagues are away, it’s important to take into account the circumstances of different team members.
So, how can employers better support their teams during busy periods? At GulfCare, we believe that by integrating practical mental health strategies into your corporate culture, you can not only improve employee well-being but also foster a more engaged and productive workforce. In this article, we’ll explore how you can help your employees manage stress during the holiday season and beyond.
Mental health during busy periods
The conversation around mental health is evolving rapidly across the GCC, with recent efforts by governments and healthcare providers being focused on breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Businesses are also increasingly recognizing the value of supporting their employees' mental wellness. But for many, stress and anxiety continue to be part of their daily lives – especially during high-pressure periods like the holidays.
Many employees, especially expatriates, face unique stressors during the holiday seasons, such as travel, separation from family, or the pressure to manage personal and professional expectations. In fact, a study from the US has shown that as many as 62% of people report their stress levels as ‘very or somewhat’ during the holidays, while only 10% report no stress at all. Stressors include the financial demands of the season and maintaining personal health habits such as an exercise regimen.
Mental health techniques for managing stress during busy periods
To help your employees manage stress during busier times of the year, consider implementing simple steps towards better mental well-being:
Encourage ‘mindful breaks’
In fast-paced environments, employees often feel pressured to stay constantly ‘on’. Encourage them to take mindful breaks throughout the day, even during busy periods. Simple practices like deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress in just a few minutes.
Consider creating designated ‘wellness moments’ during the day, where teams are encouraged to pause, breathe, and reset. These mindful breaks can improve focus and reduce anxiety, especially during stressful times.
Set clear boundaries between work and personal time
Holiday stress is often exacerbated when employees feel they cannot disconnect from work. Encourage your workforce to set clear boundaries during their vacation leave. This might include establishing no-email policies after work hours or during weekends, allowing employees the mental space they need to recharge.
It’s also worth empowering managers to reinforce these boundaries and ensure that employees feel comfortable taking time off without the fear of falling behind.
Offer flexible work arrangements
Year-end deadlines and holiday obligations can make balancing work and personal life particularly challenging. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or adjusted hours, can go a long way in reducing stress. This flexibility is especially beneficial for employees who may need extra time to manage family commitments or travel plans.
By providing flexibility, you demonstrate that your company values employee well-being and understands that productivity is not a one-size-fits-all model. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to remain focused and engaged.
Provide access to mental health resources
Lastly, make sure that your employees have easy access to mental health support through your corporate healthcare plan. For example, GulfCare offers a range of services, including Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that can be tailored to your team’s needs. Ensure your employees are aware of these resources and encourage them to take advantage of them without fear of stigma.
Special considerations for employees traveling during the holidays
For many expatriates in the GCC, holiday travel adds an extra layer of stress. Long flights, time zone changes, and the pressure of family obligations can take a toll on both physical and mental health. To support traveling employees, offer the following tips:
Encourage planning ahead: Help employees avoid last-minute stress by promoting the booking of vacation leave as soon as possible.
Promote healthy travel habits: Share tips for maintaining well-being while traveling, such as staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and taking light exercises during long journeys.
Advocate for digital detoxes: Encourage employees to disconnect from work emails and notifications while they are on holiday, allowing them to fully recharge.
By integrating mental health support into your corporate culture, you not only improve the lives of your employees but also enhance the long-term success of your business. A workforce that feels cared for is more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with your organization.
As we enter the holiday season, it’s essential for business leaders to recognize the impact that stress can have on their employees’ well-being and performance. By incorporating these simple mental health strategies into your workplace, you can help your team manage stress while fostering a culture of care and support – not just during the holidays, but year-round.
How GulfCare can support your employees’ mental well-being
GulfCare is a leading provider of bespoke corporate healthcare plans – and we are committed to supporting corporate leaders in fostering mentally healthy workplaces.
Our comprehensive healthcare plans offer access to mental health services that can make a real difference for your employees, particularly during high-stress periods like the holidays. Whether through counseling services, tele-health services, and EAPs which can tackle both personal and professional issues, our programs are designed to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
We work with businesses of all sizes across the GCC region, to help them find the right healthcare package for their needs.
To learn more, and to receive a complimentary quote, contact us today.
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