Holidays are not only a right but also an essential need for employees. They provide a valuable opportunity to disconnect, recharge, and take care of mental health. However, for businesses, this period can pose a challenge: how can employees fully enjoy their time off while ensuring operations continue uninterrupted?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to this question, as every organisation has specific needs and varying priorities. Nevertheless, having strategic allies and a well-structured action plan can make a significant difference.
Below, we present practical strategies to help enterprises effectively organise work before holidays, both at an individual and organisational level. With the support of tools like ifeel, businesses can strike the perfect balance between employee well-being and operational continuity.
The impact of stress and workload on businesses: How to prevent it without halting operations
Stress and the build-up of tasks before holidays not only affect employees but can also have significant consequences for businesses. An excessive and poorly managed workload can lead to errors, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism or presenteeism, and, in more severe cases, higher employee turnover.
Prolonged stress also negatively impacts employees’ mental health, which, in the long term, can result in higher operational costs and a weakened organisational culture. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 12 billion workdays are lost annually due to mental health issues, costing the global economy $1 trillion per year in lost productivity.
However, this scenario is preventable. Giving employees the necessary space to rest and enjoy their holidays is not only a right, but also a key strategy for ensuring their long-term well-being and performance. Holidays allow teams to recharge, reduce accumulated stress, and return to work with renewed motivation and creativity.
That said, this doesn’t mean the business must come to a halt while employees are on leave. It is possible to strike a balance between individual rest and operational continuity through strategic planning that ensures work is organised before holidays begin. With the right tools, clear processes, and effective communication, businesses can ensure operations continue seamlessly while employees enjoy a well-deserved break. This approach not only benefits employees but also strengthens the organisation’s resilience and efficiency.
The role of leaders in ensuring operational continuity
Business leaders play a crucial role in maintaining smooth operations during holiday periods. Their ability to organise work before holidays—through effective delegation of team tasks and by serving as role models for planning and disconnecting—can ensure a healthy balance that allows work to be managed efficiently in advance.
By leading by example, leaders not only promote effective management but also inspire their teams to return with renewed energy. Key actions that leaders can take include:
- Fostering a culture of collaboration: Encourage an environment where employees feel comfortable asking for help and sharing responsibilities.
- Empowering teams: Provide training in skills such as planning, delegation, and stress management.
- Setting clear expectations: Define realistic goals and deadlines for teams taking on additional tasks.
- Promoting a supportive culture: Acknowledge the importance of rest and encourage employees to plan their holidays without guilt.
- Providing adequate resources: Implement tools like ifeel to ensure employees have access to emotional support and effective organisational strategies.
- Leading by example: Leaders who plan their own holidays and delegate tasks effectively inspire their teams to do the same.
By adopting these strategies, leaders can create an environment where operational continuity is maintained, while employees feel supported and empowered to take the breaks they need.
The Leadership Lens🔎
As a leader, organising work before holidays is not only essential for your peace of mind but also crucial to ensuring your team’s continuity. Your mission is to lead by example: plan your tasks, communicate well in advance, and delegate responsibilities strategically.
Encourage each team member to do the same, avoiding last-minute rushes. Good prior organisation not only safeguards performance but also strengthens trust and collaboration within the team. Leading with foresight is leading with impact!
Strategies for organising work before holidays
Organising work before holidays is essential not only to ensure employees can disconnect and recharge, but also to maintain the operational continuity of the business. Proper planning prevents disruptions, reduces team stress, and ensures responsibilities are managed efficiently during absences.
Below are some key strategies that combine planning, delegation, and technology to effectively organise work before holidays.
1. Collaborative planning
Planning should not rest solely on the employee going on holiday. It requires a joint effort between the employee, their team, and organisational leaders. Key actions to ensure this process include:
- Pre-holiday planning meetings: Hold meetings to identify critical tasks and assign responsibilities before employees take leave.
- Mapping key processes: Document essential workflows so that any team member can temporarily take over tasks.
- Shared calendars: Use interactive tools to keep everyone informed about schedules and absences.
2. Strategic delegation
Delegation is not just about handing tasks over to others; it’s about assigning them strategically to ensure they are completed effectively while allowing the person responsible to return seamlessly to their usual duties. To achieve this:
- Identify substitutes: Assign team members who can take on temporary responsibilities, ensuring they have the necessary training.
- Create task manuals: Document clear instructions, so substitutes can execute tasks without issues.
- Define points of contact: Establish who will be responsible for each area during the employee’s absence.
3. Process automation
Technology can be a powerful ally in maintaining operational continuity. Consider the following:
- Automating repetitive tasks: Use specialised tools or software to automate administrative processes.
- Scheduling communications: Set up emails and social media posts to be sent automatically.
- Monitoring systems: Implement dashboards to allow leaders to track project progress in real time.
4. Managing workload and talent
It’s crucial to ensure that the workload does not fall disproportionately on those remaining in the office. To address this:
- Equitable distribution: Ensure tasks are fairly distributed across team members.
- Temporary hires: Consider hiring temporary staff to cover workload peaks.
- Emotional support: Provide resources to help employees managing additional responsibilities cope with stress, such as access to mental health solutions like ifeel.
By implementing these strategies, businesses can ensure smooth operations during holiday periods while fostering a supportive and balanced work environment for their teams.
How ifeel can support businesses in this process
Business organisation, particularly during high-pressure periods such as preparing work before holidays, can create significant stress for both employees and leaders. The pressure to meet deadlines, delegate tasks, and ensure operational continuity can negatively impact the emotional well-being of the team and, consequently, the overall productivity of the company.
ifeel positions itself as the ideal tool to address this challenge, offering not only psychological support for employees but also detailed data and reports that enable businesses to make informed decisions. This combination of emotional well-being support and strategic analysis makes ifeel a key ally in managing organisational stress and optimising resources.
Key benefits of ifeel
| Feature | Benefit for the business |
|---|---|
| Real-time risk assessment | Identifies employees with high levels of stress or anxiety before holidays. |
| Personalised plans | Provides individualised support tailored to each employee’s risk level. |
| Workshops and psychoeducational content | Trains teams in time management and stress handling. |
| 24/7 access to therapists | Ensures employees can receive emotional support at any time. |
| Measurable financial impact | Reduces costs associated with absenteeism and boosts overall productivity. |
With ifeel, businesses can not only care for their employees but also optimise internal processes. The platform’s detailed reports help identify stress patterns, evaluate the impact of well-being initiatives, and adjust strategies in real time. This ensures that business decisions are always backed by reliable data, fostering a healthier and more efficient work environment.
Mental health at work: one of the greatest challenges for businesses today
Organising work before holidays is not just about productivity—it’s about well-being. By implementing clear strategies and leveraging solutions like ifeel, businesses can ensure their employees enjoy a restorative break while maintaining operational continuity.
Are you ready to transform your employees’ experience before the holidays?
Discover how ifeel can help you create a healthier and more efficient workplace.
