If you’re hurtling like a juggernaut towards year end with a demanding ‘To Do’ list flashing before your eyes as soon as your head hits the pillow, you are not alone.
2024 has been a year of upheaval, with the UK and US elections, a new UK government, and the Autumn Budget, all fuelling uncertainty. Add to that the whirlwind of client lunches, festive drinks, networking events, meetings, deadlines, planning sessions, and the annual rush of gift buying, school nativities, and hosting duties, and suddenly, the “most wonderful time of the year” might not feel so wonderful.
With all these demands, it might be a challenge to switch off over the festive season, but, as a leader, you owe it to yourself, your team, and your family to do just that.
Beware the monkeys
Unlike certain animals, we can’t go into full hibernation mode at this time of year, but we can still go that little bit easier on ourselves. By allowing some time to stop, rest and reflect on where we’re at and where we want to be, we can emerge stronger, with a fresh perspective and renewed vigour.
In a poll carried out by Mental Health UK, 77% of people felt their mental health worsened at Christmas. It’s not surprising when you consider the enormous pressure to tie up all those frustrating loose ends at work, on top of whatever is going on at home.
And while it may be tempting to rid ourselves of that annoying ‘monkey on our shoulder’ by delegating a task or problem onto others, it’s probably a better idea to consider whether these ‘monkeys’ are genuinely urgent. If not, write it down and deal with it in the new year. Don’t let the monkey put you off your Christmas dinner!
The right to switch off
With 57% of UK employees said to work either ‘sometimes’ or ‘often’ while on annual leave, leaders must also advocate for the whole team to actively step away from emails and disconnect from work as much as possible while on holiday.
That means you too!
Such is the pressure to be ‘always on’ and the increasingly blurred lines between home and work due to remote and hybrid working, the Labour government is set to introduce measures around the ’Right to Switch Off’ in the next phase of their ‘Make Work Pay Plan’.
Get ahead of those changes and start implementing your own guidance around the proposed policy now. And try to practice what you preach. Will it be easy? Probably not, but whether it’s locking your phone away completely or limiting yourself to certain check-in times, resisting the urge to be constantly ‘on’ will gradually get easier and make a genuine difference to your work/life balance.
All is calm, all is bright
Mental Health UK’s “Burnout Report 2024” found that one in five UK workers took time off due to stress. In addition, independent research from Breathe reveals that only 35% use their full annual leave, yet 58% would take up to five extra unpaid days if offered. A gap that highlights a serious disconnect between what employees need and what they feel is acceptable.
But here’s the twist – giving employees the freedom to take time off when they need it can work wonders. Studies show that using annual leave can boost productivity by up to 40%, reduce fatigue and irritability, and cut sick leave by 28%.
Employers must therefore foster a culture where taking time off is not only encouraged but is genuinely guilt-free. Remember that not everyone celebrates the festive season, so offering flexibility in holiday scheduling can be another plus point for your team.
By leading by example, employers can cultivate a healthier, more productive workplace, laying the foundation for long-term success. So, take that break and enjoy some well-deserved, guilt-free time off!
Give thanks…to yourself too!
Let’s not forget that this season is, primarily, a time for celebration. Recognise those wins, irrespective of challenges, and give yourself a pat on the back!
And it’s not just about work. Personal achievements and objectives count too. Aiming for that illusive balance is critical to our wellbeing and something most of us need to improve on. Whether it’s pottery or skydiving, perhaps 2025 is the year to finally take up that new hobby?
In summary
Embrace the reality that not everything will be perfectly sown up by the end of the year, and that’s totally fine!
Focus on what truly matters and let the rest take a back seat. Encourage your team to do the same and lighten the collective load. This approach will leave everyone feeling brighter and you’ll return in the new year healthier, happier, and more energised.
This season, set the example and remind your team how important it is to take time for themselves. Above all, give yourself permission to rest, celebrate what’s been achieved, and aim for a better work/life balance in the year ahead.
You deserve it!
Rhonda Curliss
Rhonda Curliss is co-founder and co-CEO of Grey Lemon. Set up in 2020 with her co-founder Victoria Firth, Grey Lemon has helped supercharge many businesses by working with CEOs, owners and senior leadership teams. Their strategic, holistic input and direct approach has seen these companies turn around and thrive – tripling profits, growing internationally, doubling business wins and mitigating risks.
Previously holding Director, Board and c-suite positions in international and UK businesses, Rhonda has a wealth of expertise and is also the first female president in the history of The Nero Club, formed over 50 years ago for London’s property industry leaders. She is a trained mediator, and mentors and advises a number of charitable organisations in the property and construction sector.
