The biggest causes of holiday work stress and how to handle it

The biggest causes of holiday work stress and how to handle itThe biggest causes of holiday work stress and how to handle itWith Thanksgiving already around the corner, the holidays are the perfect time to relax, see family and friends, and indulge in all your favorite treats - but that doesnt always make for smooth sailing at work.Staffing firm Accountempsrecently released data showing that for 32% of American workers, managing holiday and work commitments is the top office-related stressor this season.So the holidays dont do wonders for everyones mood. While 51% of respondents reported that theyre happier in the office when the holidays come around, 35% said their stress surges there at that time, according to the news release.Researchers surveyed more than 2,700 employees employed in 27 major cities in the U.S. Here are some of the findings, and what can be done to ease stress around the holidays.Heres how American employees feel during the holidaysRespondents said the most stres sful elements of working during such a festive time included returning from leisure time to a lot of assignments - plus the lack of employees to pick up the slack.Accountemps also rankedmajor U.S. cities in terms of how cheerful and how stressed out their workforces are during the holidays.San Francisco came in first as the happiest, with New York in second place and San Diego in third place. Cleveland and Philadelphia were the least happy, tied in twenty-sixth place.Pittsburgh welches the most stressed, with Philadelphia in second place, and both Cleveland and Salt Lake City tied for third place. San Francisco was the least stressed, in twenty-seventh place.Heres how workers and employers can make it throughBeing strategic can go a long way.Give employees a leg to stand onDont stretch workers too thin - give them options and bring in extra support.Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, commented on the research in a statement showing how employers can help.Between p rofessional responsibilities and rolleal commitments, its all too easy for employees to become overwhelmed during the holiday season. Managers can support their teams by allowing more flexible schedules and bringing in temporary staff to assist with year-end projects. Workers should take time off to enjoy the season with family and friends and avoid burnout that could carry over into the new year, he said.Walk it offThis could help during the holiday season as well.Albert Ray, M.D., of Kaiser Permanente Southern California, writes on the Society for Human Resource Managements website about how workers and companies can use exercise to combat stress.Sticking to a regular exercise program of brisk walking can boost a persons immune system. Even low levels of aerobic exercise help. Just 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week is effective. Managers can add walking breaks or other exercise to meeting agendas. Scheduling 15-minute walking breaks during long meetings helps reduce str ess that might have built up. Employees typically come back refreshed and ready to work, he writes.Get organizedThe Accountemps research news release featured a suggestion about getting organized during the holiday season.Make a list and check it twice. Before leaving work, write down top priorities to accomplish the next day. Keep a separate list for personal to-dos. This will help you manage priorities, improve productivity and reduce stress during the holidays, it says.