This holiday season, does it seem that some people in your office could use a booster shot of good cheer?
The holidays are stressful for many people, downright depressing for many others.
And it’s no wonder this season of joy brings out the blues in some people: Family conflict surfaces, financial burdens magnify, lost loved ones weigh even more heavily than usual on friends’ and families’ minds and hearts.
For people who struggle with more than their share of stress, anxiety, and depression this time of year, there is more at stake than the enjoyment of sugar cookies and twinkly lights.
Watch your employees for signs of depression, excessive worry, or even just end-of-year burnout.
It might appear in subtle ways such as slight mood shifts or a former extrovert suddenly withdrawing from groups (and RSVPing a staunch “no” to the office Christmas party).
It might show up in the quality or the punctuality of their normally impeccable work.
No matter what, if you have an idea that someone on staff is struggling, it couldn’t hurt to talk to them about it.
And there’s no need to beat around the bush: If they don’t want to get personal, that’s their right, and you can move the chat in a different direction.
Tell them you’re concerned about the noticeable difference in the quality of their work and would like to help if you can.
Perhaps most importantly, be there to listen. Knowing that the holidays will soon be over and things will likely return to normal, understand that to talk or not to talk is their prerogative, but that the offer is almost always appreciated … and remembered.
And it might be a good idea to distribute some holiday stress-relief techniques to the whole staff.
In a group of complex people with complex families and complex emotions about the holidays, someone there is sure to take your understanding, compassion, and resources to heart.
WebMD offers these tips: