The holidays can be a whirlwind of last-minute tasks, holiday parties, and preparing for family gatherings. For leaders and managers, the challenge is not just personal but professional—how do you ensure your team can genuinely enjoy their time off while maintaining alignment and productivity?
Let’s explore 7 strategies for leaders, to set you and your team up for a stress-free holiday season and a strong start to 2025.
1. Get Clear on Your Time Off
Before you can support your team, you need to know your own schedule. Decide which days you’ll be unavailable, whether it’s for a few days or a full two weeks. Once you’re clear on your time off, you can set the tone for clear communication and preparation with your team.
2. Understand Your Team’s Time Off
Have open conversations with your team about their holiday plans. Who will be off, and when? Will some team members be working during this period? Understanding everyone’s availability allows you to coordinate coverage, prevent last-minute surprises, and ensure everyone feels supported in taking their well-earned break.
3. Design Clear Expectations
Is this a full shutdown where everyone can truly unplug, or will there be minimal operational coverage? Discuss expectations with your team and leadership, including:
- Whether emails will need to be monitored or can wait until the new year.
- Adjustments to routine tasks like reports or meetings.
- What “emergencies” might look like and how they’ll be handled.
- Clear agreements help avoid misunderstandings and empower your team to enjoy their time off guilt-free.
4. Proactively Manage Workflow
For team members who will remain on duty, plan ahead to ensure they have everything they need to succeed.
Consider these questions:
- What are the key priorities during the holiday period?
- Are there tasks that can be tackled during this quieter time, such as strategic projects or process improvements?
- How can you distribute workload fairly to prevent burnout?
- Proactive planning keeps things running smoothly and helps the team enter January with momentum.
5. Thank Your Team
The holiday season is the perfect time to express gratitude to your team for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. A heartfelt thank-you—whether shared in a team meeting, a personal message, or a small gift—can go a long way in boosting morale and strengthening relationships.
6. Set the Foundation for 2025
As a leader, take some time to reflect and prepare for the year ahead. What are your top goals for yourself, your team, and the organization? How can you align your team’s efforts to start the new year strong? By setting intentions now, you can return from the holiday break ready to hit the ground running.
7. Model Healthy Boundaries
Finally, remember that your actions set the tone for your team. If you want your team to enjoy their time off, lead by example. Resist the urge to check emails during your vacation and encourage your team to do the same. Modelling healthy boundaries helps create a culture where rest and work-life balance are respected. One of the strategies I’ll be adopting this holiday season is deleting all of my work apps so that I don’t accidentally see a message or an email and feel that it needs my immediate attention. What boundaries will you set?
Here are some additional resources to support you and your team through the holiday, How to Help Your Employees Stay Productive Around the Holidays and Holidays Can Be Stressful. They Don’t Have to Stress Out Your Team. Or check out 12 Resources to Support Yourself During the Holidays.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Holiday Season
By taking these steps, you can reduce holiday stress, foster alignment, and create space for everyone—including yourself—to enjoy the festive season. When the holidays are over, your team will return refreshed and ready to take on 2025.
What’s your plan for setting your team up for success this holiday season?
