Five ways to reduce workplace stress this festive season

The festive season should be a time for celebration and connection, but it can bring extra pressure in some offices. From managing deadlines to balancing personal commitments, stress can quickly take its toll this time of the year.

In fact, a survey found that half of British employees consider December the most stressful month. Factors contributing to this include the cost of living, concerns about affording presents, and fears of redundancies. Another survey reported that 73% of UK workers worry about work disrupting their festive plans.

Work-related stress has, in recent years, become an undeniable epidemic, especially during the end-of-year period when demands pile up both professionally and personally.

According to the UK’s Health & Safety Executive, stress, depression, or anxiety account for over 51% of all work-related ill-health cases and cause 55% of all lost working days. This translates to an eye-watering £3.7 billion in lost productivity annually.

For office and facilities managers, creating a calm and supportive environment can help keep your team happy, productive, and stress-free. Plus, it can support your teams’ health and well-being and prevent sick days.

We’ve got five practical tips for you to ease the pressure and help your team finish 2024 on a high.

1. Plan ahead for year-end deadlines

Nothing creates stress quite like last-minute chaos. Help your team stay in control by planning for year-end deadlines well in advance. Break bigger projects into smaller, manageable tasks, communicate key priorities clearly, and encourage collaboration to share the workload.

Transparency is vital here, so ensure everyone knows important dates, milestones, and office closure schedules. Proactive planning avoids unnecessary pressure, giving your team confidence and clarity to finish the year feeling accomplished rather than overwhelmed.

2. Offer seasonal perks to boost morale

Small festive touches can make all the difference when it comes to brightening up the office. Whether it’s treating your team to mince pies in the breakout room, providing gingerbread cookies alongside your usual coffee options, or giving out small gifts, these little gestures show your appreciation and bring smiles to the office.

By offering a premium quality, barista-style coffee experience from your office coffee machine, your team can enjoy frothy lattes, creamy cappuccinos, or a perfect espresso pick-me-up. And don’t forget to cater for your dairy-free team members and offer plant-based milk too.

Lots of commercial coffee machines come with dual milk options and multiple hoppers so you can provide a choice of beans and a decaf option. Combining these thoughtful perks with delicious, freshly ground coffee, can help to keep morale high and remind your team how much they’re valued.

3. Create a relaxing break space

Encouraging your team to step away from their desks is a simple but powerful way to reduce stress. A welcoming breakout area gives people a chance to pause, recharge, and return to work feeling refreshed.

Equip your office with a bean to cup coffee machine for premium barista-style drinks, and add a water tap that provides fresh, filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water on demand. A great break space not only supports well-being but also encourages connection and collaboration as team members come together to chat.

4. Promote hydration and healthy habits

Amid the festive rush, it’s easy to forget the basics, like staying hydrated. Yet hydration is key for your team to stay energised, focused, and feeling good throughout the day. It’s recommended that we drink 6-8 glasses of water per day (although tea and coffee are included in that) to stay adequately hydrated.

An undercounter water tap in the office makes it simple to encourage healthy habits and staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to combat fatigue and stress.

5. Encourage time off and proper breaks

At this time of year, many employees feel the pressure to power through and skip breaks or miss out on taking their holiday allowance. This can lead to sickness, burnout, reduced productivity, and heightened stress.

Remind your team of the importance of taking regular breaks during the day and encourage them to book time off where possible. For those working through the festive season, encourage an environment where stepping away, even just for a coffee or water break, is encouraged.

Make the festive season stress-free

The festive period doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead, encouraging downtime, and adding thoughtful perks like great coffee and refreshment options, you can create a workplace where your team feels supported and energised.

At FreshGround, we’re here to help you bring happiness and balance to your office with bean to cup coffee machines, water taps, and a range of premium coffee blends and consumables from our online shop.

Get in touch with our friendly team to help you create a happier, healthier workplace this festive season.