It’s that time of last-minute deadlines, end of year reviews and a frenzy of obligations - school concerts, awards nights and class parties (when did sending kids to school require a P.A.?!).  And those endless ‘we must catch up before Christmas’ invitations. Forget the Silly Season, welcome to The Closing Crunch.

If you’re feeling it too, you’re not alone.

While the holiday season brings a sense of anticipation, the Closing Crunch can impact our wellbeing. Many of us feel pulled in all directions as we try to meet the expectations from every area of life. The build-up of underlying stress can lead to increased anxiety and overwhelm, burnout and even decreased productivity. Recognising these psychosocial pressures in a workplace can make a big difference. So, what can we do to support ourselves and our teams through this crunch period?

Encourage open conversations about workload

• Schedule team check-ins that focus on wellbeing and capacity instead of just performance. Let employees know that it’s okay to be transparent about what they can realistically achieve. I’ve found that when managers simply ask their team ‘How are you holding up?”, it invites open and honest conversations about their workload.

Establish the priorities

• Where possible, postpone non-urgent tasks until the new year. Focus on finishing high priority projects and allow for flexibility with other tasks. Scaling back on deadlines may seem counterproductive, however it will boost morale and keep your team cohesive and on task.

Promote mental health resources

• Increased financial stress can add to the pressure employees feel in the lead up to Christmas. Remind your team of any available Employee Assistance Programs and mental health resources. A quick reminder about available resources is a simple way of showing your employees that you care about them beyond their workplace productivity.

Normalise time for self-care

• Consider taking an opportunity to model self-care in the workplace such as organising a team meditation session or a mindfulness activity. Also encourage employees to take time-off over the Christmas/New Year period to unwind and reset. I’ve witnessed how making time for self-care amongst the ‘busy’ can shift feelings of resentment into being valued and ready for the new year.

The end of the year doesn’t have to feel like a race against the clock or a relentless grind. Acknowledging the psychosocial pressures that come with The Closing Crunch is the first step towards creating a healthier, more supportive workplace. By encouraging open conversations, setting clear priorities, and emphasising self-care, you can reduce the stress that builds up during this season and make room for true productivity and well-being.

As a leader, it’s not just about hitting targets. It means fostering an environment where employees feel valued and heard, even in the busiest of times. Taking proactive steps to manage the pressures of this period will enable a strong finish to the year. You are creating the space for your team to return motivated and refreshed, ready to prosper in the new year.

So, as December approaches, I challenge you to take a moment to reflect. What does your team truly need to thrive and how can you support them through the crunch? If you choose to prioritise psychological safety and well-being now, the benefits will last beyond the holiday season.  You will lay the foundation for a healthier, more resilient workplace all year round.