December arrives with its festive atmosphere, but also with an extra weight for collaborators and companies.
While the Christmas spirit invites us to celebrate, in the workplace an accelerated race is unleashed towards the end of the year. This phenomenon becomes a challenge that, without an adequate strategy, can overwhelm teams and cause them to present various cases of anxiety.
December is a month in which multiple factors converge that increase work and personal pressure, according to Gestalt psychotherapist Saskia de Winter.
“It’s like being at the finish line of a marathon: the band is right in front of you but exhaustion can make reaching the end an almost impossible mission. Therefore, it is very important for leaders to be aware of this dynamic, in order to align priorities and ensure that the team is not affected in the process,” says the founder of the training platform Saskia de Winter Training.
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But why does the above happen? According to De Winter there are factors that can offer an answer.
“In Mexico, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) might not seem relevant, since the climate is not as cold as in other countries. However, accumulated stress and high work expectations can cause many people to experience symptoms such as irritability, tiredness and difficulties concentrating, even in this season,” he comments.
Also for many, he adds, December is the month of cycle closures and reaching goals, and that pressure to close sales, meet objectives and deliver projects can be overwhelming.
In the same way, he comments, organizing vacations can be a headache: “Leave requests often clash with the company’s operational needs, leaving some employees frustrated by not being able to rest and others overloaded to cover absences.” .
In the same way, posadas, dinners and end-of-year celebrations are key moments for team cohesion, but they can also generate exhaustion.
How to improve morale in the workplace
There are actions leaders can implement to manage stress and optimize their team’s performance during the last month of the year, De Winter recommends.
Open communication must be encouraged. December not only brings pending tasks, but also mixed emotions: nostalgia, expectations and sometimes frustration.
“Leaders must open spaces for dialogue not only to talk about objectives, but for the team to share how they feel,” he says.
You should also set clear goals that resonate: “The end of the year often feels like an endless marathon. To reduce anxiety, you should break down your goals into small, achievable goals and connect them to a purpose. Instead of just talking about results, we must highlight how these achievements contribute to the success of the team and the company,” he explains.
The expert recommends training in stress management since this not only benefits leaders, but also inspires the team to imitate the techniques.
“Practicing deep breathing, meditation or even taking a short walk can change the work environment,” adds the expert.
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