Want to end on a high note? Support your team's mental health

The final stretch of the year can be hectic: deadlines loom, inboxes overflow, and everyone’s racing to wrap things up before the holidays. Add in a packed social calendar, and it’s no surprise stress levels start to soar.

It’s tempting to just push through the silly season, but looking after your people now helps them finish strong and return in January with the energy your business needs to thrive.

Help manage workloads

Overloading December only leads to exhaustion and mistakes. Before setting and enforcing end-of-year deadlines, ask yourself this question: does it really need to be done this year?

Prioritise what’s essential and postpone non-urgent projects until January. Build breathing space into your calendar by leaving realistic gaps between deadlines. And avoid last-minute scrambles by clearly communicating cut-off dates for new work.

Acknowledge your team’s hard work

Recognition boosts morale, but it doesn’t have to be costly. A simple “thank you” goes a long way, whether it’s in a team meeting, a handwritten note, or a thoughtful gesture like finishing early on a Friday. The goal is to make people feel seen and appreciated before the break.

Normalise asking for help

Create a culture where it’s okay to admit when things feel overwhelming. You can do this by…

• Checking in regularly, both formally and casually.
• Leading by example. If you’re telling your team to take a break, make sure you do the same.
• Promote available support. A poster in the kitchen or a company-wide email about wellbeing services can make a big difference.

And if you can see that someone is struggling, point them toward your Employee Assistance Programme or other support options.