The holiday season can be a joyous time, filled with social gatherings, quality time with loved ones, beautiful decorations, and gift giving.
For healthcare professionals, it can be a time of high stress due to increased patient volume, staff shortages, and the challenge of balancing work and personal commitments.
Healthcare leaders have the responsibility of navigating these challenges while supporting the wellbeing of their team. Without the proper tools and resources, this can lead to burnout and compromised health.
Here are tips for turning a potentially overwhelming season into one that’s filled with resilience, balance, and wellbeing.
Acknowledge the Challenges
As a leader, creating a safe, judgement free space to discuss challenges and opportunities, can reduce anxiety as team members feel they are part of the solution.
Set Realistic Expectations
Let go of unrealistic expectations.
For leaders:
- Prioritize key tasks and let go of nonessential responsibilities.
- Delegate when possible.
For team members:
- Adjust workflows and deadlines when applicable.
Promote Work/Life Balance
To create environments that promote balance, leaders must practice balance themselves. Modeling this behavior will encourage team members to do the same.
- Take scheduled breaks.
- Use PTO for holiday activities and relaxation.
- Set healthy boundaries by avoiding work email and texts after hours.
- Block time for activities that energize, such as exercise, family time, and favorite hobbies.
- Spend time in supportive environments, with friends, family, mentors, etc.
Create a Culture of Gratitude
Consistent employee appreciation improves morale and performance.
- Write personal thank-you notes to team members.
- Host a holiday potluck or team lunch.
- Create a gratitude board for team members to post notes of appreciation to other team members.
Provide Stress Management Tools
- Share mindfulness and mental fitness
- Provide access to wellness apps or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
- Start a wellness challenge, such as a hydration goal or a step competition.
- Create a quiet room for team members to relax and recharge during shifts.
Reflect and Celebrate
Host a short team meeting to share highlights from the year. Recognize successes and key learnings. Offer a small gift as a token of appreciation (ex: Starbucks gift card).
Eliminating all stress during the holiday season is not reality. However, by focusing on a culture of balance, gratitude, and well-being, it is possible for leaders and their teams to thrive during this busy time. Small steps make a big difference.
Cheers to a happy, healthy, more balanced holiday season!
