Managing Stress and Preventing Burnout: Supporting Employees Through the Holiday Rush

Posted November 4, 2025

As the year winds down, the pace at work often speeds up. Deadlines, year-end reviews or budget planning, and personal holiday obligations can make even the most engaged employees feel stretched thin. Without intentional leadership, the season meant for gratitude and celebration can quickly turn into one of stress and burnout.

Here’s how Managers can support well-being and keep teams motivated through the holidays—and beyond.

🌿 1. Normalize Conversations About Stress

Many employees hesitate to admit when they’re overwhelmed, especially during the “busy season.”

Tip: Encourage open check-ins. Ask simple, compassionate questions like, “How’s your workload feeling this week?” or “What would make things easier for you right now?” Acknowledging stress doesn’t make people weaker—it builds trust and loyalty.

⏰ 2. Reassess Priorities and Deadlines

Not every project must wrap-up before December 31. It’s ok to delay less critical projects so that more important ones get the time and attention they need for success.

Tip: Help teams identify what truly needs to be finished and what can roll into Q1. Share this openly so everyone understands expectations and can focus energy where it counts. Clarity reduces unnecessary pressure and late-night work.

🎁 3. Promote Smart Time-Off Planning

Time off shouldn’t create more stress – especially if you work as a team.

Tip: Encourage employees to submit time-off requests early and plan coverage as a team. Remind managers to actually unplug when they’re away—modeling rest sets a powerful example. Balance coverage while protecting everyone’s ability to recharge.

Consider policy flexibility:
If your company has a no carryover or limited carryover PTO policy, this is a great time to review it. Instead of carryover, consider caps on total time earned—this approach still limits liability while encouraging employees to take needed rest throughout the year.

☕ 4. Offer Micro-Breaks and Mini-Wellness Boosts

You don’t need a big wellness budget to make a big difference.

Tip: Try brief guided stretches, “meeting-free Fridays,” or a simple gratitude wall, or slack channel, where employees post thank-you notes or kudos to coworkers. Small pauses build connection and relieve pressure when things get hectic.

🥂 5. Plan Meaningful End-of-Year Celebrations

Celebration builds community - and helps employees feel appreciated after a long year.

Tip: Plan ahead for your annual holiday gathering and include employee longevity awards at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of service. If your company is new, recognize milestones like “team spirit,” “client hero,” or “innovation awards.”

✨ Create a party committee to help with planning, themes, and prizes—it boosts engagement and distributes the workload.

🎉 Hosting remotely? Consider virtual events run by professional vendors that feature team trivia, Amazing Race-style challenges, or murder mystery games with prizes. These events are easy to join, fun, and inclusive for distributed teams.

💬 6. Recognize and Appreciate Contributions

Recognition matters more than ever during stressful periods.

Tip: Make sure to celebrate the achievement of goals and the modeling of key behaviors – as much as you take time in setting them. Gratitude and recognition increases motivation and helps employees feel seen during a demanding time of year.

🪴 7. Prepare for a Healthy Start to the New Year

Burnout doesn’t reset automatically in January.

Tip: Schedule a short “re-entry week” after the holidays—light meetings, planning sessions, and reflection on what worked well this year. It helps employees re-engage without feeling overwhelmed on day one.

Tip: Many companies have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that has training resources and webinars that focus on workplace or holiday stress. Consider hosting one at a lunch and learn. Make this free benefit work more for your employees.

💼 Closing

End-of-year stress is normal - but unmanaged stress leads to burnout, turnover, and disengagement. Thoughtful HR practices and simple, human moments of connection can turn this season into one of balance, gratitude, and renewed energy.

At ANOVA Resources, we help organizations design people-first strategies that support well-being year-round—so your team can perform at their best no matter the season.

✨ Ready to strengthen your culture of care?
Let’s connect: anovaresources.com