10 Proven Time and Stress Management Strategies for the Holiday Season

The holidays can be a significant revenue boost for your business, but they can also be highly stressful. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and organization, business owners can achieve their holiday goals while still enjoying the season. Below are eleven proven strategies for managing your time and stress levels during the holidays. Let’s dive in!

1. Look Back. Looking back at your previous sales around this time of year is always insightful and can help you anticipate your business’s operational needs this year.

2. Create a Plan. It’s always a good idea to review your inventory, make sure your current stock will last through the holidays, and evaluate which products need to be cleared out or discounted before the New Year.

3. Streamline And Delegate. Before the holiday craze hits, make sure everything is as streamlined and automated as possible. Plan marketing emails and social media posts, using templates and scheduling software to ensure a steady stream of messaging. Turn on inventory alerts, automate your invoices, and identify which functions might be worth outsourcing or delegating. Payroll, accounting, and taxes, for example, are all services you can easily take off your to-do list this season, either through third-party service providers or automation tools.

4. Communicate Properly. Let your staff know what to expect during the holidays, whether it’s changing schedules or extra tasks. Failing to communicate effectively with your staff can lead to confusion and diminished morale. Ensuring clear, honest communication with your customers during the holidays is also crucial. Keep them in the loop about how long it will take to provide services or process orders, and don't shy away from warning them about any potential hold-ups.

5. Sort Out Staffing. Formulate a plan to ensure staffing levels remain adequate throughout the holidays. Work out a vacation schedule with your permanent employees and consider temporary hires if you anticipate being short-staffed during peak times. Don’t forget to bring back the best of last year’s help! It’s much easier and more efficient to hire people who already know the ropes than to train inexperienced workers.

6. Practice Self-Care. Ignoring your needs and failing to take time to relieve stress can quickly lead to burnout! Make sure you allow time to unwind so that when you’re ready to get back to work, you’ll be recharged and refreshed. Some ways to practice self-care this holiday could include:

• Exercising or taking a quick walk.
• Eating a well-balanced meal.
• Organizing your workspace.
• Meditating or reading a book.
• Unwinding with a cup of tea or coffee in between work sessions.
• Deep-breathing exercises.
• Engaging in activities or hobbies you enjoy outside of work.

7. Create a Support Network. Letting friends and family support you will help reduce stress. And don’t forget that small business owners love supporting other small business owners, especially during the holidays! Reach out to other local businesses and plan collaborations to expand your customer base through seasonal events or promotions.

8. Time Management and Organization. Implement productivity hacks, such as time blocking and the Pomodoro Technique, to help you accomplish more while still allowing time to refresh. Effective organization can also reduce stress. Project management software, organizational apps, and customer support tools will be invaluable in helping you streamline your operations during the holidays.

9. Be Budget-Conscious.   Carefully manage your budget for the season. Think ahead

and map out your expected holiday costs now so they don't catch you off guard later.

10. Set Realistic Goals. Be honest about what you can achieve during the holiday season and set clear expectations.

Career Concepts is ready to help ensure you have sufficient quality staffing during the busy holiday season. We’ve been connecting the right people with the right positions for more than fifty years. Contact us today and ensure your holiday season runs smoothly.