How Employers Can Recognize and Respond Compassionately

The holidays can bring heightened stress, loneliness, and financial pressure. For many employees, this season is emotionally challenging — yet few feel comfortable sharing this with their employer.

1. Recognize the Signs

Managers should be trained to notice:

• Withdrawal
• Missed deadlines
• Irritability or low energy
• Unusual absences
• Declining engagement

The goal isn’t to diagnose, but to offer support.

2. Promote Mental-Health Resources

This is an ideal time to remind employees of available support, such as:

• EAP counseling
• Virtual therapy
• Meditation or resilience programs
• Tools for grief, caregiving, and stress management

Clear communication ensures employees know where to turn when they need help.

3. Encourage Reasonable Workloads

Leaders can help by:

• Freezing nonessential projects
• Avoiding last-minute requests
• Encouraging guilt-free PTO

Reducing pressure allows teams to stay focused and balanced.

4. Foster Inclusion

Not everyone celebrates — or experiences — the holidays the same way. Be mindful by:

• Offering opt-in events
• Providing quiet spaces
• Avoiding mandatory social gatherings

People thrive when their needs and experiences are respected.

In Conclusion

The holidays can create emotional strain for many employees, often quietly. When organizations respond with empathy and practical support, they protect employee wellbeing while strengthening trust and culture.

At Totem, we believe employee benefits should be human, offering personalized guidance, thoughtful communication, and proactive mental-health resources that meet people where they are — especially during life’s hardest seasons.

When employers lead with empathy, the result is a healthier workforce, stronger engagement, and a culture people want to be part of all year long. Totem partners with organizations to ensure that meaningful support isn’t seasonal, but foundational.