Managing Emotional Highs and Lows During the Holidays: Five Ways Workplaces Can Respond with Compassion
By Diana Campbell, Employment & Training Services Lead
The holiday season is upon us, and it can bring joy for some….and for others, it may bring heightened stress, grief, or loneliness. End-of-year deadlines, financial pressure, and personal loss can intensify emotions, making December a challenging time for many employees. Recovery-friendly workplaces recognize this complexity and respond with empathy rather than assumptions.
Five simple ways workplaces can offer support:
Normalize emotional range. Avoid language that assumes everyone is feeling festive, acknowledging that the season affects people differently helps employees feel included.
Encourage flexibility when possible. Flexible scheduling, realistic deadlines, or additional check-ins can reduce pressure during an already demanding time of year.
Respect boundaries and choices. Not everyone wants to participate in holiday events or social activities. Honoring individual boundaries supports psychological safety.
Promote available supports. Gently remind staff of wellness resources, employee assistance programs, or mental health benefits—without requiring disclosure.
Lead with empathy.
A simple check-in or expression of understanding can go a long way. Compassion strengthens trust and supports resilience across teams.
By responding with awareness and care, workplaces can help employees navigate seasonal emotional highs and lows—fostering inclusion, wellbeing, and sustained engagement beyond the holidays.