During the Holiday Season, we hear all the time: “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” But for those working in high-stress environments like healthcare, it can also be a very stressful time of the year. Between increased patient loads, upticks in flu season, and the emotional demands of working during the holidays, stress levels among healthcare employees can skyrocket.
For hospital administrators and managers, finding meaningful ways to support employees’ mental and physical wellness during this time is critical. Incorporating stress relief activities for employees into your holiday appreciation plans not only helps manage stress but also boosts morale, lowers absences, strengthens your team, and even provides a positive ROI.
In fact, OSHA reports that for every $1 spent on ordinary mental health concerns, employers see a $4 return in productivity gains!.
Effective Stress-Relief Activities for Employees
It’s clear that incorporating stress-relievers benefits employees and your organization as a whole, but be sure to mindfully select the activity that best suits your employees to maximize its benefits. While some of these ideas may not be feasible at your facility, here are some creative and effective ideas that keep your team feeling their best during the busiest time of the year.
Relaxation Station
Designate a quiet room or corner of the hospital or medical facility as a relaxation station. Stock it with items that promote relaxation, such as aromatherapy diffusers, noise-canceling headphones, cozy seating, and light snacks like herbal teas and healthy treats. A few minutes spent here can help staff recharge before heading back to the floor.
Wellness Kits
Give your team thoughtful wellness kits filled with stress-relief goodies. Include items like:
- Stress balls or fidget tools
- Mini journals for gratitude or reflective writing
- High-quality hand cream for those working frequent shifts
- Healthy snacks or gift cards for local wellness shops
- Essential oils that promote relaxation, like clary sage, lavender, and chamomile.
This practical gift shows you care and helps them manage their stress even after the holiday season.
Holiday-Themed Yoga Session
Invite a certified yoga instructor to lead a gentle, holiday-themed yoga class. A 20-30 minute session tailored to relaxation and stretching can make a world of difference for your staff. Yoga is proven to reduce stress and improve overall mood, making it a perfect activity for the season.
“Pet Therapy” Visits
Bring in certified therapy animals to brighten your team’s day. Interacting with animals is known to reduce anxiety and elevate mood—a much-needed boost during hectic shifts. Take it a step further and organize pet therapy visits for your patients, too! Be sure to double check that pets are allowed in your facility beforehand to avoid any issues with licensing or health violations.
Gratitude Practices
Gratitude is a powerful stress reliever. Set up a gratitude wall in the break room where staff can leave encouraging notes or share what they’re thankful for. Consider pairing this with a weekly “thank you” recognition program, highlighting specific contributions of team members and offering prizes like gift cards, additional time off, or catered lunch.
Physical Activities
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to combat stress. Organize a holiday walking challenge where teams can log their steps and compete for small prizes like coffee shop gift cards or fitness trackers. Keep it lighthearted and fun to encourage participation without adding extra pressure. Alternatively, partner with a local facility to provide a free or discounted gym membership for employees during the holiday season.
Flexible Scheduling When Possible
The greatest gift you can give your team is time. While healthcare work often demands long hours, offering flexible schedules or additional time off (when feasible) can alleviate burnout. If extra time off isn’t an option, try offering shift swaps or even on-site childcare to help ease the load.
Low-Key Celebrations
Sometimes, traditional holiday parties can add more stress than joy. Instead, host a low-key appreciation event during a shift change or in the middle of a day when traffic is lighter. Provide comfort food, play relaxing music, and give out small tokens of appreciation like holiday mugs or ornaments.
Surprise Staff with a Hot Cocoa and Coffee Cart
Brighten your team’s day with a mobile hot cocoa and coffee cart that makes rounds during shifts. Stock it with fun toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, caramel drizzle, sprinkles, cookie crumbs, and seasonal syrups.
Add festive touches like holiday-themed napkins or mini candy canes for stirring. This thoughtful and delicious surprise is a great way to spread holiday cheer while giving your employees a moment to relax and enjoy something warm and comforting.
Why Stress Relief Activities for Employees Matter
Incorporating stress-relief activities isn’t just about adding holiday cheer to the workplace—it’s about supporting the well-being of the very people who work tirelessly to care for others. When employees feel valued and less stressed, they perform better, collaborate more effectively, and experience greater job satisfaction.
By taking small steps to integrate wellness into your holiday plans, you’re investing in the happiness and resilience of your team.
Let’s make this holiday season one of health and happiness for everyone. After all, it is meant to be the most wonderful time of the year!
