Employee Stress Management During Festivals: Balancing Work and Personal Financial Demands

Team IIBP Anveshan, Business Psychology, Employee wellbeing, Issue 52, Organizational Culture, Social Psychology, Volume 4

With the onset of the festive season, joy and celebration are abundant. Paradoxically, this is also a time when stress and depression peak, especially in the workplace (ThoughtFull World, 2024). A survey conducted by Virgin Pulse, an employee health engagement firm, found that 70% of employees reported feeling more distressed during the festive season, and 60% felt distracted due to concerns such as gift shopping and balancing work with personal demands (Managing Stress in the Workplace During the Holidays, 2019). Unnecessary stress leads to decreased productivity, poor employee health, and anxiety.

CIPD’s (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) 2023 Health and Wellbeing at Work report highlights that during the festive season, escalating workloads and personal obligations contribute to stress. Industries such as retail and e-commerce experience a surge in demand during festivals. The report emphasizes the importance of flexible working conditions, mental health support, empathy from employers, and recognition of the cultural significance of festivals to mitigate stress during this period (Sinclair et al., 2023).

According to McKinsey, Indian employees report high levels of burnout and work-related stress, exacerbated during periods of cultural importance like festivals. Cultural pressures and the need to meet customer expectations during these times contribute to stress, making it necessary for companies to provide mental health resources and address toxic work environments (Carmichael et al., 2023). Some employees report feeling lonely and socially isolated, especially if they lack strong support networks (Khodakova, 2023). For many, the festive season is also a source of financial stress due to expenses on gifts, travel, and decorations (Admin, 2023). Historical data reveals a surge in expenditure during the festive season, leading to financial stress post-holidays (Sibuyi, 2023).

Employers play a crucial role in alleviating these effects by fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. This allows employees to feel comfortable taking time off or seeking flexibility during festivals. Providing additional staffing resources can also ease workloads and ensure that business needs are met without overburdening current employees. Other solutions include promoting mental health support, flexible working policies, and work-life balance strategies.

Employees can combat stress by developing personalized self-care routines to reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and boost happiness and energy (ThoughtFull World, 2024). Practicing flexible scheduling allows employees to meet deadlines while enjoying festive celebrations. Communicating with supervisors in advance helps avoid confusion and distress (Managing Stress in the Workplace During the Holidays, 2019). Healthy coping mechanisms such as mindful eating and sufficient rest are also encouraged. Financial stress during the festive season can be mitigated by striking a balance between the spirit of celebration and financial wisdom, achieved through planning ahead and making careful decisions (Sibuyi, 2023). Fostering a culture of openness and acceptance is essential (Khodakova, 2023).

By recognizing and addressing the challenges employees face during the festive season, employers can create a more supportive and compassionate work environment, benefiting both employees and the organization in the long run. A happy and productive workforce is the best gift an employer can receive during the festive season (Admin, 2023). Addressing challenges such as managing workloads during holidays, balancing personal and professional commitments, and providing flexibility ensures that employees feel valued and respected. This creates a positive workplace culture, reduces stress, and improves job satisfaction. A workforce that feels understood and appreciated during the festive season is more likely to be motivated and engaged, leading to the long-term success of the organization. After all, an effective workforce is the most valuable asset for any employer, particularly during times of celebration and reflection.

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