Question:
This morning, I suggested to my husband that we temporarily shut down our small business over the holidays to give our employees a much-needed break. He just laughed, but I was serious. We’re not a retail operation, so we’re not selling anything, and most of our clients are as swamped as we are.
We argued. He angrily reminded me I’d also suggested we shut down at noon on sunny Fridays during the summer and accused me of forgetting that we’ve had a rough year and have barely broken even. Six of our eight employees make more per hour than my husband or me. If either of us admits all the extra time we put into our business, neither of us makes even minimum wage.
Still, I think Christmas this year is more stressful for everyone than last year and feel we need to give our employees a break. Can you send me something that I can use to convince him? He reads your column and needs facts and figures.
Answer:
Holidays trigger heightened emotions and stress. Employees may internalize pressure to create perfect holidays for loved ones, to feel joyful and to spend money they don’t have. While some enjoy fulfilling home lives, others feel trapped in family situations they’d rather escape, and some face loneliness.
You’re right that holiday stress this year is worse for many. In a Monster.com survey, 53% of employees reported feeling more stressed than usual this holiday season.
Financial strain is a key driver, with 24% citing money pressures — a reflection of 2024′s 2.7% inflation rate. A trio of other holiday-related issues (time constraints for holiday preparations), family commitments (19%) and lack of time for self-care (17%) add to the soaring stress employees experience. The American Psychological Association’s 2023 poll reports that nine out of every 10 U.S. adults feel overwhelmed during the holidays.
This translates into bottom-line workplace issues. A stunning 41% of employees report a slight (31%) or significant (10%) productivity decline.
Year-end burnout adds fuel to the fire. Aflac’s 2023 survey revealed that 57% of all U.S. employees report moderate to severe burnout. ComPsych data shows a 33% rise in mental health-related leaves of absence in 2023 alone.
What happens when employers ignore the workplace stress that simmers under the surface until it erupts like steam from a pressure cooker, affecting employee behavior and work performance? Their stressed-out employees look for ways to take the edge off their work stress — whether through quiet quitting or under-the-radar “hushed holidays,” 2024′s newest workplace trend. Employees disengage by coffee badging — clocking in and leaving — or taking secret hush-cations, slipping away for days without notice. In January, many of these employees look for new jobs.
You and your husband could change this with a proactive holiday shutdown. Many employers close their offices during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. What if you closed your company three days before Christmas as a year-end gift to all employees. Consider these reasons:
Recharge and productivity: Employees return refreshed, ready to work more effectively than their burnt-out peers.
Employee morale and loyalty: A holiday break signals you value your team, fostering loyalty and motivation.
Reduced demand: Many clients take days off, making this a naturally quiet period.
Cost savings: A temporary closure reduces operational expenses like utilities and maintenance.
Finally, you and your husband can take those days off yourself or focus on strategic planning and start the new year with fresh goals. By gifting your employees three extra days off before Christmas, you invest in your employees and your business’s long-term success.