The winter holidays can be a source of fun and relaxation, but they’re also a source of stress for many people. The pressure to wrap up team goals and meet end-of-year deadlines collides with a sudden increase in work to prepare for holiday events and entertain family members.

To help your team avoid burnout in November or December:

How Can You Help Your Team Avoid Burnout This Holiday Season?

Set priorities now. 

Look at the work lined up between now and the beginning of the new year. Sort projects and tasks into two categories: Essential and Nice-to-Complete.

Focus your team’s efforts on essential matters. Make them aware of the nice-to-completes, but remind them that if the choice is between those tasks and essential tasks, the essentials come first. Help your team members plan their schedules so that hard deadlines are met, and any leftover tasks are addressed promptly after the new year.

Help your team maintain their balance.

Every professional has their “non-negotiables” – things that help them relax and maintain their perspective in stressful times. For some, it’s a cup of coffee in the morning. For others, it’s a vigorous walk at lunch or a stop at the gym on the way home. Some find their rest in quiet time reading or meditating before bed.

Encourage your team to find their daily non-negotiables and stick to them. Remind them that this time isn’t “non-productive” – rather, it is essential to ensure their work time isn’t wasted on stress or overwhelm.

Boost communication. 

Sending more emails or Slack messages may feel like one more task on an already burgeoning to-do list. Used effectively, however, better communication can actually reduce the time you and your team spend on tasks that don’t directly contribute to meeting essential end-of-year goals. A daily email summarizing key tasks and progress or a central whiteboard with an end-of-year to-do list can help your team communicate and stay on track.

Are You Motivating Your Team?

The winter holidays come and go – but your sales and marketing teams need support year-round. At SMR Group Ltd, our experienced recruiters help our clients in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries build resilient sales and marketing teams. For help finding new talent or creating your strategic staffing plan, contact us today.