The Ultimate Survival Guide for Working During the Holidays

It’s 8 AM. You walk into the office as you start your shift – then it hits you: it’s quiet, the desks are empty, and you realise you’re among the few still working. It’s the holidays. Most of your colleagues are off enjoying festive breaks, but you’re holding down the fort.

The holiday season is typically a time for celebration, reflection, and cherished moments with loved ones. Yet, for many professionals, it also means juggling work commitments with festive plans. Balancing both worlds may feel overwhelming, but with the right strategies—and a bit of seasonal spirit—you can make it through with your focus and well-being intact.

Plan Ahead

Start with a clear, visual calendar that outlines work hours, key deadlines, social events, and personal time. This simple step helps reduce anxiety by letting you see where your time is going.

Set Realistic Deadlines

Recognise that your productivity might dip during this season—and that’s okay. Communicate openly with your team and manager about your availability, especially if you’re splitting time between work and personal obligations.

Be transparent: let your colleagues know when you’ll be slower to respond or unavailable.

Leverage Technology to Streamline Workflows

Holiday workloads can feel heavier, but task management tools like Trello or Asana, combined with shared calendars, help keep things running smoothly. Use apps to set automated reminders or block quiet time for deep work.

Delegate When Possible

If you’re working in a team, delegate lower-priority tasks. Holiday collaboration encourages teamwork and spreads the load. Trust your teammates, and return the favour when they need support too.

Practice Time Management

Use proven productivity methods like the Pomodoro Technique—25-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks. Prioritise urgent and high-impact work first, especially when your attention is divided by holiday excitement.

Create Boundaries

Without firm boundaries, burnout is just around the corner. Stick to your defined work hours and avoid the temptation to “just check one more email.” This helps protect your well-being—and your holiday spirit.

Maximise Downtime

Use any downtime at work effectively. Catch up on emails, plan for the upcoming days, or tackle smaller tasks that don’t require prolonged concentration. This way, you can make the most of your time even when you have limited availability.

Take Care of Your Well-being

Maintain a healthy lifestyle by prioritising sleep, exercise, and nutrition. It’s easy to neglect self-care during busy periods, but taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustaining productivity.

Embrace Flexibility

Even with the best-laid plans, things can change—urgent projects might arise, or deadlines may shift. Stay calm and flexible. Adaptability is your superpower during high-stress periods.

Celebrate Small Achievements

Whether you finished a report early or helped a teammate prep for the holidays, acknowledge your efforts. Small achievements add up and help boost your morale when energy dips.

Tip: Keep a holiday gratitude journal or work recap log to reflect on what you’ve accomplished by year’s end.

Final Thoughts: Finding Joy in the Juggle

Working during the holidays isn’t ideal for everyone, but it doesn’t have to be miserable. By combining careful planning, transparent communication, and intentional self-care, you can navigate this season with grace and a sense of achievement.

And remember: you’re not alone. Plenty of others are in the same boat—doing the work while the world celebrates.

Need Support This Holiday Season? We’re Here.

At Halian, we understand the pressures of holiday workloads. Our recruitment teams work year-round to support professionals like you with advice, career tips, and next-step opportunities. Whether you’re planning a job change or managing through Q4, we’ve got your back.