HR Expert Has 5 Top Tips to Help Switch Off at Christmas

HR Buddy’s Damien McCarthy says those who are lucky enough to have time off work over Christmas should try to enjoy it  

As 2023 draws to a close and offices prepare to wind down for Christmas, workers who are lucky enough to be on leave over the festive period will be looking forward to the big switch-off. However, for many it can be hard to totally disconnect, particularly if the run up to Christmas has been busy.

With a recent survey showing a third of hybrid workers struggle to disconnect, Damien McCarthy of Kerry-based HR Buddy, believes that for those who can take leave, Christmas is the perfect time to press the reset button. He gives tips on how this can be achieved:

1: Disconnect from work-related technology

Start planning your disconnection from work in advance. Prepare your “Out of Office”

messages, arrange any final conversations, remind your colleagues and clients you will be on leave, and ensure all task handovers are completed.

2: Return to an analogue lifestyle

Turn off notifications and put away your work devices. Where applicable, uninstall work-related apps from your personal phone. Reading a book or magazine and doing technology-free activities will help you accept you’re not at work.

3: Forget about work

Easier said than done for many, but try and clear your head and break the routine. If needs be, take a break from the 24/7 news cycle or take a social media break. For some, being physically active can be one of the best ways to switch off, but for others, stillness can be the antidote to stress.

4: Get plenty of sleep and enjoy the downtime

When we slow down, we give our body, mind and emotions the chance to recover. This will help you see life in a more optimistic and positive way. Dedicate time to the things you enjoy. Pick up your hobbies again or take the chance to learn a new one. Get creative. Activities such as art, crafting and writing can be useful to release stress.

5: Enjoy your family and social life to the fullest

Your personal relationships are the ones that suffer the most during the work routine. Spending time with people who make you happy can be energising, and help you disconnect.

Damien added that for many 2023 turned out to be the year when post-Covid life really kicked back in, and many workers came under a lot of pressure: “People have been juggling work, family and social lives, and with that comes the threat of stress, anxiety, fatigue and in some cases even burnout. We also have huge issues with disconnecting. Technology, smartphones and social media dependence have led to an ‘always-on’ culture for many. This can be as much a problem for employers as it is for employees, and despite best efforts, many people we talk to admit checking work