It’s the time of the year when businesses are wrapping up projects, preparing compliance for next year, and, of course, holiday parties to celebrate with their teams. For employees, this season is a mix of joy and gratitude with burnout, deadlines to meet, and the personal pressures that comes with the holidays.
In this final stretch, many employers naturally want to show appreciation. But meaningful recognition goes far beyond the annual bonus or office party. What teams need most during this time isn’t more activity, it’s authentic appreciation and space to recharge.
The question for employers isn’t just “How do we thank our people?” but also “How do we help them end the year well?”
Recognition Matters, But So Does Rest
A holiday benefit such as a gift card, an extra meal with your team, or a holiday bonus is well-appreciated, but these things don’t necessarily make your team or employees feel valued. Often times, it’s not so much the gift, but rather the message being conveyed.
Leaders who understand this often focus on two intertwined goals: recognition and restoration.
Small but thoughtful actions can go a long way:
· Encourage true time off. When possible, create space for employees to take a real break without guilt or lingering work. Set clear expectations that emails can wait, and model that behavior from the top.
· Offer flexible scheduling. Adjusting hours or allowing remote days in December can ease personal stress and make it easier for employees to balance family and work commitments. Your team will appreciate it.
· Personalize appreciation. A short one-on-one thank-you conversation, or public recognition in a team meeting can mean far more than a mass email or gift card.
These gestures signal respect for employees’ time and humanity, something that can’t be wrapped in a bow.
The Hidden Cost of Holiday Hustle
We often hear the phrase “finish strong” around this time of year. But while it sounds motivating, pushing hard to hit every year-end goal can actually exhaust teams, sometimes before the new year even begins.
Burnout isn’t something that just vanishes after a short break. It can stick around, affecting how people feel about their work, their desire to stay, and even their overall well-being.
The most effective leaders recognize that slowing down can actually be a strategy for long-term productivity.
To avoid the holiday burnout cycle:
· Reassess priorities. Ask your teams which projects can realistically be postponed until the new year. Often, “urgent” deadlines can be more flexible than they appear.
· Celebrations need to be intentional. Instead of big events, aim for meaningful moments like a morning of volunteering, a team breakfast, a team sports tournament or an early office closure. The gesture of giving time back often resonates more deeply than any formal event.
· Promote mental health resources. The holidays can be emotionally complex for many. Remind employees of EAP programs, counseling benefits, or mental health apps available through your plan. Make it part of the conversation, not a footnote.
By reducing pressure and building in space for rest, employers help ensure their teams start the new year energized rather than exhausted.
Leading With Gratitude
Leadership presence makes the greatest difference, way more than formal programs. When leaders take time to express gratitude sincerely and consistently, it shapes the tone of the entire organization.
Gratitude, at its best, is not performative; it’s relational. It’s a leader taking the time to say, “I see what you’ve done this year, and I appreciate you for it.”
That recognition reinforces a sense of belonging and trust that outlasts any holiday gift.
Here are a few ways to lead with gratitude:
· Start meetings with thank-yous. Acknowledge team wins—both big and small—before jumping into agendas.
· Listen intentionally. Create space for employees to share what they’re proud of and what challenges they’ve faced this year. Listening can be a powerful form of appreciation.
· Reflect on growth. Encourage teams to pause and recognize their own progress. Closing the year with reflection helps everyone see the bigger picture and feel part of something meaningful.
Building a Culture That Lasts Beyond December
The holidays offer a natural moment to reflect on culture, the invisible thread that connects people, purpose, and performance. When organizations create traditions that emphasize kindness, empathy, and well-being, those values ripple through the year ahead.
Supporting employees during the holidays doesn’t have to mean extravagant spending or elaborate programs. Often, it’s about showing humanity in leadership—offering flexibility, demonstrating understanding, and celebrating effort over output.
The companies that get this right don’t just have happier teams in December—they have healthier, more loyal employees in every season.
Because when people return from the holidays rested, appreciated, and ready to begin again, everyone benefits.
Since 2013 SSA Insurance Services has been helping organizations of all sizes to promote and protect the health and wellness of their most important asset: their employees. Stephanie San Antonio and her team do this by working with employers to design, implement, and maintain a company culture that is in line with their mission and values, and building a comprehensive benefit package that attracts and retains their top talent. Call SSA at (760) 203-4299 for a complimentary benefits package review, to make sure your group health plan is in compliance, and for help with establishing a wellness program for your employees to keep them healthy, happy and engaged.
