The holidays are here, and with all this “joy to the world” there's also anxiety and stress. Addressing employee mental well-being has always proved a challenge, but it can feel particularly relevant during the holidays.

Thirty-eight percent of people said their stress level increases during the holidays, according to the American Psychological Association, due to factors such as lack of time and money, and family gatherings. With 56 percent of respondents experiencing the highest amount of stress while at work, the workplace isn't immune to the holiday blues, and the levels of employee support are expected to increase around this time of year.

Ways to reward employees during the holidays

A Christmas bonus is a very welcome relief to help with the stress of the holidays, providing a welcomed boost at one of the most expensive times of the year. However, bonuses have always been about much more than just financial assistance. They're about recognizing employees for their hard work and dedication over the year. Whilst sometimes cash may be seen as a simple gesture, it's a great way of showing employees they are valued and an integral part of the business, and they can play a big part in retaining staff into the new year.

However, companies need to be wary of rewarding employees with just a once-a-year payment. Bonuses should be part of a well-rounded employee rewards scheme, rather than being the only reward. A good employee rewards program will help keep employees motivated and incentivized day-in, day-out, and should include both intrinsic and extrinsic benefits.

A supportive culture

This is not so much a “benefit” as such but important nonetheless, and if successfully implemented will be a key driver of staff retention. The most engaging workplaces are those that show they care for their employees through creating a culture that is enjoyable to work in. Taking your team out for lunch or after-work drinks can do wonders to boost team spirit, encouraging employees to talk about non-work-related issues, building a bond and helping colleagues become true friends.

This is key to building a community, as people will be more open with each other, more prone to sharing problems when they feel troubled, and therefore less likely to suffer in silence. A supportive culture is one where everyone is in it together, and is likely to lead to happiness, improving employee morale and productivity

Therefore, employee rewards schemes need to be well-rounded if they are to work, comprising both intrinsic and extrinsic perks. Whilst money is a great motivator and Christmas bonuses should by no means be removed, ensuring employees are given year-round support and investment is recommended. With these, employees will be aware of their value and importance to the company and this will ultimately improve staff retention.

Recognize employees' passions

Asking your employees what they are passionate about and trying to find a way to fit these passions into their working life is invaluable. It is proof that you as an employer care, and that your employees' passions and happiness are important to you.

Some companies have introduced a scheme where they ask employees to submit “passion clients,” or companies they'd love to work for, for example. Winning business an employee truly cares about will increase the chances that they enjoy their work, and shows you care about their happiness—ultimately increasing morale and loyalty.

Training and development opportunities

Providing employees with relevant training is a constructive way of showing they are valued and an integral part of the team. Investing in a member of staff's development and progression is a great way of showing that you believe they have great potential, and that you want to help them shine. Ultimately, you as the employer will get greater return on investment, benefiting from a more capable and motivated employee.

Localized employee rewards and perks

The average American employee spends $3,154 on food away from home, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' (BLS) 2016 Consumer Expenditure Survey. With such a vast amount coming out of their salary, a helping hand is always much appreciated. Something that works well with our customers is rewarding employees with a set of localized perks—20 percent off at the nearby restaurant, for example—that they are able to take advantage of. It helps employees live a life where they feel supported by their employers, outside of the office too, which can be especially necessary around the holidays.

Empower your employees to use their benefits

Seventy percent of employees don't understand the benefits offered by their employer, which means they are missing out. One on one engagement with employees to educate on benefits is no longer effective as a lot of employees are in the office every day or they work remotely from other cities or states. Overall, workers are not getting as much face-to-face interaction as they used to, and the reasons aren't always office dynamics. If we look at the broad impact of social media and mobile technology, it's easy to argue that both employers and employees alike are moving away from face-to-face interaction on a cultural level too.

As the employee experience moves away from face to face, technology is allowing businesses to reach further when it comes to delivering benefits, while still hand-holding when necessary. The result is a user experience that empowers people and benefits businesses.

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Patrick Williams, LMFT, CEAP, is clinical director at LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell. Williams is a licensed marriage and family therapist and certified employee assistance professional (CEAP) with more than 25 years of clinical experience and motivational leadership. He specializes in workplace issues, helping employees learn how to balance their personal and professional stressors.

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Supporting employees through the holidays (and beyond)

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