10 December 2019

Mental health at Christmas

In the words of Andy Williams, Christmas is ‘the most wonderful time of the year'... except for some people it's not. Christmas is often idealised, which creates a subliminal pressure to be merry, cook the perfect Christmas dinner, have the perfect family, perfect presents, topped off with the perfect white snowfall. This burden can feel overwhelming to those dealing with mental ill-health. Christmas can bring lots of additional stresses such as travelling, eating more food, drinking more alcohol, family arguments, financial pressures and increased household work.

Christmas is a difficult time for employers too, with the expectation of a ‘work Christmas party', pressures on budgets, managing customer demand and engaging workforces. So whether this is advice that you take yourself or share with others, bear in mind the following:

• Be sensitive - Christmas is portrayed as a time for family. This can create feelings of loneliness and isolation, while difficult relationships with loved ones can cause added stresses
• Talk about your feelings and ask for help - It's hard to admit that at such a romanticised time of year you don't feel that great, but talking about your feelings can help
• Avoid overindulgence - The availability of food and drink can be a way of covering up emotions. Instead, try to take everything in moderation, and try to do some exercise to benefit your overall health and wellbeing
• Be cautious of those recovering from addiction - The increase in temptation at Christmas can be extremely difficult to deal with. Getting merry and being swept up in the yuletide spirit is a danger for some
• Take a break - Whether travelling or having a stay-cation, re-energise by giving yourself a change of scene or pace

Whilst mental ill-health is not always work related, managers need to know what to do. The BPIF are creating a Managing Mental Health: Skills for Managers training course, which is specifically designed to provide managers with the knowledge and skills to manage mental health effectively. The course will be launched in January 2020. To register your interest, or for more information, please contact your regional HR Advisor.

Employer FAQ's at Christmas:

Can I make employees work overtime in the run-up to Christmas?

If the contract of employment includes a clause requiring an employee to work overtime when necessary, then it will generally be reasonable to enforce this. For compulsory and/or regular overtime, bear in mind the changing requirements for Holiday Pay.

Case Law: Edwards v Bramble Foods Ltd

Am I responsible for what happens at the Christmas party?

Although it is prudent to assume that the company will be liable, there are numerous factors that will be taken into account by an Employment Tribunal on the occasion of litigation.

Case Law: Bellman v Northampton Recruitment

What if an employee comes to work late or not at all after the Christmas party?

If disciplinary action is to be taken for lateness or non-attendance after the party, employers should ensure that this is outlined in the disciplinary policy. Where an employee does not attend due to illness, the employer should follow its absence management policy/procedures.

Please seek advice from your regional HR advisor before progressing with any formal processes.

For further information, please contact Olivia Martin, HR Adviser, at [email protected]