Holiday Parties: Good Idea or Burnout Driver?

Is your team doing a holiday party this season? 

The idea of a holiday party sounds festive, but before you dive into the eggnog, consider this: Could your holiday party inadvertently contribute to, rather than prevent burnout?

While the intention is pure—to spread holiday cheer—the reality is that a one-night celebration doesn’t erase the stressors accumulated throughout the year. 

Here are some questions to ask before you throw a party.

Do you have a budget for the party?

No budget? That’s fine. Skip the party. Don’t ask people to pay.

You don’t know your team’s financial situation.

Does the party align with your broader strategy for preventing burnout on your team?

Holiday parties aren’t a burnout solution. 

If you haven’t celebrated your team over the entire year, toxic energy might have built up.

Have you consulted your team on their preferences for celebrating? 

A party tailored to their liking is more likely to have a positive impact. 

Are you making it optional? 

Make attendance voluntary, ensuring everyone feels comfortable joining in on their terms.

Consider if mandating attendance respects the diverse personal situations of your team members, acknowledging that everyone might have different commitments during the holiday season.

And if you’re prodding people to come, that’s a topic worth exploring.

Remember, holiday festivities should be about joy, not stress. 

Keep it light, keep it fun, and keep it mindful. 

I am wishing you a wonderful and burnout-free holiday season!

Always wishing you the best,

Dr. Beckford

Whenever you're ready, there are two ways I can help you.

1. Grab your personalized 1:1 Session to learn wellness strategies to reduce worker burnout, improve retention, and lower healthcare costs.

2. Hire me to lead training or to speak directly to your team so you can retain talent and avoid burnout.