Christmas Day is traditionally a time for celebration, family and rest. For many people it brings moments of joy, reflection and connection with loved ones.

However, the festive period can also be a demanding time. Work pressures often build in the weeks leading up to Christmas as teams try to finish tasks before the holiday period. For those working in healthcare and other essential services, the day itself may still involve work, covering shifts or supporting colleagues.

It can also be a difficult time emotionally. Some people experience increased stress, financial pressure, or loneliness during the festive season, particularly if they are spending the day away from family or remembering loved ones who are no longer with them.

Here are some practical ideas managers can use around Christmas to support staff wellbeing. These work particularly well in busy workplaces like healthcare where not everyone can take the day off.

1. Acknowledge the pressure of the season

The weeks leading up to Christmas can be intense. A simple acknowledgement from a manager that workloads are high can go a long way. Thank staff for their efforts and recognise the additional pressures people may be facing both at work and at home.

2. Encourage realistic expectations

Where possible, help teams prioritise what genuinely needs to be completed before the holiday period and what can safely wait until the new year. Reducing unnecessary pressure helps prevent burnout.

3. Support staff who are working over Christmas

For colleagues covering shifts on or around Christmas Day, small gestures can make a big difference. Consider:

Providing festive snacks or a shared lunch

Leaving a thank-you note for staff on duty

Rotating shifts fairly where possible

4. Look out for loneliness

Christmas can be a difficult time for people who are living alone, far from family, or experiencing loss. Managers can:

Check in informally with staff

Encourage team connection where appropriate

Share information about available support services

5. Encourage people to switch off

If staff are taking time off, encourage them to fully disconnect from work. Managers can help by:

Avoiding non-urgent emails over the holiday period

Ensuring work is handed over appropriately

Respecting annual leave boundaries

6. End the year positively

A short team message thanking everyone for their work over the year can help close the year on a positive note. Recognising contributions and effort helps staff feel valued and appreciated.