Holiday Stress in Leadership: Supporting Your Team

Stress has a way of creeping into our lives year-round, but there are times when it becomes a daily companion. As leaders, when we recognize stress in our teams, that’s our signal to step in and lead.

At LIA Training, we often remind leaders that leadership is about relationships; management is about tasks. During the holidays — when both professional and personal pressures peak — your employees need leadership more than ever.

Holiday Stress in Leadership in the Workplace

For many people, the holiday season is filled with celebration, connection, and reflection. But for others, it’s filled with deadlines, financial strain, and emotional fatigue. Understanding the most common workplace stressors helps leaders respond with empathy and strategy.

1. Job Expectations End-of-year goals, reports, and performance reviews can add to the usual workload. Many employees are expected to produce the same results in fewer working days due to time off and holiday closures.

2. Time Pressures The holidays add extra commitments on top of already full schedules. Employees may feel pulled between work, family, and social obligations — all competing for the same 24 hours.

3. Financial Strain Gift-giving, travel, and seasonal expenses can stretch budgets thin. The pressure to meet financial expectations can lead to anxiety and distraction.

4. People — and Loneliness Relationships can be a source of both joy and stress. Some employees face family tension or isolation during the season, while others simply miss loved ones who are far away.

Leading Through Stress

When employees don’t have healthy ways to manage stress, it can affect everything — from productivity and morale to attendance and overall well-being. That’s why effective leadership during the holidays means being proactive.

• Stay aware and observant. Notice changes in behavior, attitude, or performance.

• Be flexible. Consider temporary adjustments like remote options or flexible hours.

• Communicate support. Remind your team about resources such as EAPs or mental-health benefits.

• Model calm. Leaders set the emotional tone. Your composure helps steady your team.

• Encourage team connection. Small gestures like gratitude messages, group lunches, or recognition moments go a long way in keeping morale high.

Consider creative ways to help your employees manage stress. Would a financial-wellness session help relieve money concerns? Could you give bonuses or incentives before the holidays rather than after? Even small changes can make a significant difference.

The Leader’s Role in Stress Management

Leadership is most visible in times of stress. How you respond shapes how your team copes. This season, strive to be the leader who listens, understands, and inspires calm amidst chaos.

Take time to reflect, connect, and celebrate the progress you’ve made together. A little understanding — and a lot of genuine care — can transform this season into one that strengthens your team and your culture.

From all of us at Leadership In Action, we wish you peace, perspective, and purpose this holiday season.

If you’d like to deepen your skills in empathy, balance, and emotional intelligence as a leader, explore our Emotional Intelligence Workbook — a practical resource to help you lead with composure all year long.