The festive season can be a challenging time for employees as increased workloads and mounting pressures lead to heightened stress levels.

Over the past year, approximately 20% of UK workers have taken time off due to poor mental health caused by workplace stress, according to Mental Health UK.

With more employees taking leave during the holidays, those remaining often face additional tasks, resulting in overtime and fatigue. Combined with personal challenges such as the cost-of-living crisis or health concerns, the risk of burnout looms large.

Meditopia, a mental health and wellness platform, has shared strategies to help employees manage stress during this period. The guidance aims to foster resilience and maintain mental well-being as employees navigate the demands of work and personal life.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout manifests in various ways, ranging from physical symptoms like headaches and sleep disturbances to emotional signs such as irritability, anxiety, and lack of motivation. Persistent burnout can affect job performance and personal health, underscoring the importance of proactive measures.

Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, Co-founder and CEO of Meditopia, emphasised the need for open dialogue about workplace stress, saying, “Feeling burnt-out at work affects your mental and physical well-being and can cause you to feel unmotivated towards the work you do. Encouraging open conversations around stress and pressure in the workplace is critical.”

Strategies to Combat Burnout

Experts at Meditopia outlined actionable steps to prevent burnout, particularly during the busy holiday season:

Communicate with Your Manager
Employees are encouraged to voice concerns and seek support from their managers when feeling overwhelmed. Transparency about workload and its impact on mental health can lead to practical adjustments and alleviate stress.

Set Personal Boundaries
Maintaining a work-life balance is essential. Employees should define their working hours, avoid overextending themselves, and prioritise switching off after work and during weekends or leave. Clear boundaries can help reduce the risk of overwork.

Reflect and Plan
Employees are advised to identify the root causes of their stress and create a personal mental well-being plan. This can help them address specific challenges and communicate their needs effectively.

Sleep and Recovery

Adequate sleep is crucial for managing stress, with adults needing seven to nine hours per night. Strategies to improve sleep include avoiding screens before bed, limiting caffeine in the afternoon, and engaging in relaxing activities such as yoga or meditation.

Taking annual leave is another vital component of self-care. Using time off to rest and recover can prevent prolonged burnout and support mental health.

Addressing the Burnout Epidemic

The risk of burnout is not limited to individuals; it is a broader workplace issue requiring employer attention. Research by Mental Health UK highlights that 35% of workers are uncomfortable discussing stress with their managers. This underscores the importance of creating an environment that encourages open communication.

Çelebi stressed the role of organisations in addressing burnout, saying, “Employers must encourage open conversations about stress and provide employees with resources and support to manage their mental health effectively.”