Managing Seasonal Stress at Work
For many employees, this time of year can bring added pressure. The new school year is underway, family routines are shifting and the holidays are already approaching. At work, deadlines and responsibilities may also begin to build, while shorter daylight hours can affect energy, mood and stress.
A recent CNN article on seasonal stress and the body’s biological clock explores how changes in daylight and daily routines can influence the body’s natural rhythms, including sleep, energy and the way people respond to stress. These effects can be easy to overlook when they are happening alongside the everyday demands of work and family life.
For employers, that makes this a good time to pay closer attention to how their teams are doing. Stress may come from several directions at once, and thoughtful communication, realistic workloads and easy access to available resources can help make a demanding stretch of the year more manageable.
This matters because ongoing stress can affect both employee well-being and job performance. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration notes that job stress can impact productivity, communication, engagement and physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also points to the important role managers can play in addressing workplace conditions that contribute to stress.
One practical step is to make it easier for employees to talk about what they are experiencing. The American Psychological Association describes psychological safety as an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing questions, ideas and concerns without fear of embarrassment or negative consequences.
In everyday terms, that can be as simple as checking in. Managers can ask whether workloads are manageable, priorities are clear or competing demands are making it difficult to get everything done. These conversations give employees an opportunity to speak up and give managers a better chance to address concerns early.
Employers can also look ahead to periods when demands are likely to increase. For example, year-end deadlines, vacations, open enrollment and other seasonal responsibilities can put added pressure on employees. Planning for staffing needs, setting clear priorities and considering how assignments are distributed can help everyone manage busy periods more effectively.
It’s important to remember that seasonal changes affect people differently. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that some people experience changes in mood and behavior as the seasons change. Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression with a recurring seasonal pattern and is different from temporary stress or the winter blues.
Employers don’t need to have all the answers when someone is struggling. They can make a meaningful difference by creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up and know how to find the resources and support available to them. Employee benefits, such as employee assistance programs, are an important part of that picture. Depending on the health plan, behavioral health services, telehealth and other resources may be available to help employees care for their physical and emotional well-being.
That’s why clear benefits communication matters throughout the year, not just during open enrollment periods. Employees may have practical questions about whether a provider is in network, whether a referral or prior authorization is required, or whom to contact when they need help understanding their plan.
As a trusted third-party administrator, PacFed helps employers and their team members find answers to these common questions through eligibility guidance, bilingual member services, online tools, open enrollment resources and day-to-day support.
Make Us Part of Your Team
When you’re ready to simplify employee benefits administration and provide a more supportive experience for your employees, PacFed is here to help. Visit www.pacfed.com for more information and call 800.753.0222 to start the conversation. We’d love to hear from you.
Pacific Federal is a subsidiary of Zenith American Solutions.
