Miriam Reason’s Post

When will you start winding down for the holidays? If, at all! 😳 On the day of posting, it's exactly 5 weeks until the Christmas bank holiday and we want to ensure that, when you get there, your break feels like a break. It's all too easy to get wrapped up in the pressures around the holidays (from dealing with family to meeting end-of-year deadlines to overcommitting socially) and to forget to prioritise your wellbeing in the process. In our latest article, Luminate founder, Melissa Crate explores why we might find it difficult to switch off (especially over the festive period) and shares some practical tips for to ensure this holiday season is as restful and restorative as possible. Share your top tips for switching off in the comments below. 💬 #WinterWellbeing #WorkplaceWellbeing #Boundaries

As the festive season approaches, the sounds of cheerful laughter, typical in workplaces bustling with preparation for the office Christmas party. However, amongst the glitter and glee, it is essential to recognize that not everyone shares the same enthusiasm for such gatherings. Traditionally, these festive events have been made to be the highlight of the season, a chance to unwind and connect with colleagues over drinks and meals out. Yet, behind the smiles and decorations, some people are dealing with personal challenges that make such celebrations difficult, if not impossible, for them to attend. For those experiencing grief, the holiday season can serve as a painful reminder of lost loved ones, clouding their spirit despite their cheery face. Others might be battling alcohol-related issues, desperately working to maintain their sobriety while feeling pressured to engage in social drinking. Similarly, for individuals facing eating disorders, the abundance of food and endless office treats can create an environment that is distressing and overwhelming. It’s vital to create a workplace culture in which attendance is not obligatory. Respecting someone's decision to opt-out of the Christmas party should not be met with coercion or pity, it should be met with understanding and empathy. Let’s respect those decisions and offer our support to them. This holiday season, let’s normalize putting mental wellbeing front and centre, so that everybody, no matter what their circumstances, can feel appreciated just as they are, even if that means watching from a distance.

🎄 Holiday Burnout – Support is Key! 🎄 As we head into the festive season, it’s important to remember that not everyone is simply 'merrily' ticking off their Christmas to-do lists. ✨ While we’re rushing to finish work projects, shop for presents, and make sure we get enough family time, many of us are also: - Trying to keep track of work deadlines that are fast approaching - Juggling last-minute Christmas plans - And for some, making sure the elf has moved again! It’s easy to forget that the holiday season can be a lot for people to manage, especially in a busy workplace. Support is vital, whether it’s offering a bit of flexibility or showing some understanding, let’s make sure we all have the space to unwind and recharge before the new year. Here’s to a stress-free festive period (with or without the elf)! 🎅🏽🎁 #EmployeeWellbeing #HolidayBurnout #Support #MentalHealthMatters #WorkplaceCulture

Let’s face it – the festive season is more “Stressmas” for many. Between the escalating costs, family dynamics, and a calendar that fills up faster than you can say “silent night,” stress isn’t something any of us can ignore. If you think life’s a bit overwhelming now, December may be just around the corner, but its added pressures can really escalate. How do you feel about the Christmas chatter already starting? Too soon, or are you ready to dive into the mince pies and baubles? It’s only the start of November, yet here I am, talking about Christmas - as many of your staff are too!! Here’s where I’d like to help. Our Wellbeing Champions aren’t “HR initiatives” – they’re people within your business who are passionate about health, resilience, and creating a culture where wellbeing is part of the fabric of daily life. Through tailored training and formal certification, they become key drivers of change, building a workplace where everyone feels supported, equipped, and genuinely cared for. This peer-to-peer approach has been transformative for thousands of companies globally. The Champions help teams manage everyday pressures, stay focused, and foster a sense of calm and camaraderie – exactly what we all need as the holidays loom. Sound like the perfect pre-Christmas gift for your team? Let’s set up a call to discuss how you can support your team when they need it most – and kick off 2024 with a workplace culture that champions wellbeing year-round. We do have limited spaces available before Christmas, so if you would like a call to go through our programme in more detail - please use the button below, or we can carry the conversation over email if you prefer at [email protected]

Supporting Lone Workers This Christmas: A Matter of Safety and Mental Health The festive season is upon us—a time of joy, connection, and reflection. But for lone workers, it can also bring challenges that go unnoticed. As leaders, colleagues, and friends, we must prioritise their well-being, especially during this period. Why it matters: Lone workers often operate in environments where isolation is part of the job. Add the pressures of the season—longer hours, personal struggles, or the absence of loved ones—and mental health can take a toll. This doesn't just affect morale; it directly impacts safety. Mental health and safety are interconnected. When stress, anxiety, or loneliness weigh heavy, focus falters, and decision-making suffers. This increases the risk of accidents or errors in the workplace, particularly for those working alone without immediate support. What can we do? 1️⃣ Check in regularly: A simple call or message can mean the world. Make it part of your routine. 2️⃣ Encourage breaks: Ensure lone workers have time to rest and recharge. 3️⃣ Provide resources: Share information about mental health support services or helplines. 4️⃣ Foster connection: If possible, organise team catch-ups or virtual events to reduce isolation. This Christmas, let's remember that safety goes beyond physical measures. Supporting mental health is essential—not just during the holidays, but all year round. To all lone workers out there: You are valued, appreciated, and not forgotten. Let’s make a difference this season. 💙 #LoneWorkers #MentalHealth #WorkplaceSafety #ChristmasSupport

Decking the halls with boughs of holly may be all well and good - but the festive period is not all glitter and sparkle for everyone. You may think we've gone all Bah Humbug. Far from it! But it's important for employers to remember that this may also be a vulnerable time for people. 🎅 A survey from YouGov found that a quarter of people say that Christmas makes their mental health worse,  🎅A survey from the Mental Health Foundation found that 54% of people were worried about the mental health of someone they know at Christmas.  🎅A survey conducted by the workplace consultancy firm Peldon Rose reported 49% of workers had an increased workload to complete before Christmas Day and that this was the main reason behind their anxiety at Christmas. So what can employers do to help? We've put together a blog on this very issue - we'll link it in the comments but also let's pull out the main headings here: 🎅Keep talking and listening (we say this about everything, for good reason) 🎅Be realistic about what's achievable amid holidays, family commitments, etc 🎅Respect boundaries - working late may just be adding to the pressure 🎅Pay attention to health. For example, flu is prevalent in winter; have you booked flu jabs? 🎅Consider financial stress - it's an expensive time of the year (for heating costs too) 🎅Connectivity; especially important if your employees are away from their families while everyone else seems to be socialising or gearing up for family time. It can feel lonely at this time of year. Paying attention to how people are feeling at Christmas, emotionally, financially, socially and physically, can naturally lead you to the right things to do for your people. Let us know if we can help. -- 👋 We are Verve Healthcare, helping keep your staff healthy, happy and productive with a solution for your #GP, #physio, #mentalhealth, employee assist #EAP and #occupationalhealth programmes. #healthcare #wellbeingatwork #workplacewellbeing

The holiday season is a time of joy for many, but for some, it can bring stress, loneliness, or emotional challenges. As employers and colleagues, it’s important to recognize and support those who may be finding this time of year difficult. 🌟 💡 Here’s how we can help: 1️⃣ Be Empathetic: Create a culture where employees feel comfortable sharing their challenges. 2️⃣ Offer Flexibility: Personal commitments can be overwhelming—flexible schedules can help ease the burden. 3️⃣ Promote Wellbeing Resources: Highlight mental health programs, counseling services, or any other support available. 4️⃣ Encourage Inclusion: Not everyone celebrates Christmas in the same way. Ensure events and activities are inclusive and respectful of all traditions and perspectives. 5️⃣ Check In: Sometimes, a simple “How are you doing?” can mean the world to someone who’s struggling. Let’s make this festive season one where everyone feels supported and valued. Together, we can spread kindness, care, and understanding. 🎁💛 #EmployeeWellbeing #FestiveSupport #MentalHealthAwareness #InclusiveWorkplace

Advent has begun, and that’s it - we’ve officially reached December! 🎄It’s the “most wonderful time of the year”; however, juggling extra Christmas commitments can also make it the most stressful time of the year… 👇 In “New Year, New Start: Beating Festive Stress and Preparing Your Team for a Restful Christmas”, we’re exploring how you can decrease stress levels amongst your team in the run-up to Christmas and prepare everyone for a restful break and a fresh start in the New Year. 💥 Let’s take a closer look at: 👉 What causes Christmas stress 👉 How Christmas can impact employee wellbeing 👉 Tips for helping your team feel less stressed 👉 How to boost morale at this time 👉 How Thrive4Life can help 👉 How you and your team can relax and unwind after a busy year! Christmas is often busy, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Click here to read the full blog post! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/d2CSNHUF #HealthAndWellbeing #ChristmasWellbeing #Festive #StressManagement #WorkplaceMentalHealth

As we approach the end of the year, many are feeling exhausted and mentally strained. The festive season is often a mix of joy, connection, and celebration, but it can also bring physical and emotional exhaustion. Balancing commitments, managing expectations, and finding time for self-care are essential to protecting our energy and maintaining wellbeing during this busy time. Doing so can prevent burnout and allow us to enter the new year feeling well-rested and recharged.  So, what are some strategies to manage our energy over the festive season? #ManagingEnergy #FestiveSeason #mentalhealth #wellbeing

Christmas is well upon us. Whilst it can be a fun time full of joy it can also bring us stress and overwhelm. This year I am focusing on my values and prioritising the things that make Christmas for our family. Try asking yourself and those you celebrate with “what things make Christmas for you?” You may be surprised by the answer. One I received was having lasagne on Christmas Eve, which was a bit unexpected but also now means I no longer need to work out what we will be eating. I’ve written a new blog post on my website with some tips on managing your wellbeing during Christmas.