HEALTHY HOLIDAY

Creative ways to help employees during the haze of the holiday season.

The holidays can be a tricky time for anyone. Between the stress of shopping, family, and all of the unhealthy activities, sometimes it can be more of a stressor than a time for carols and giving thanks.

In an office it’s no different. With deadlines stacking up before the end of the year and less-than-healthy snacks peppering the office kitchen, staying well in the workplace is difficult. And, typically, office managers and HR profs bear the burden.

But, the holidays can be a season of health, even in an office. It does take some doing, but simple daily reminders that the seasons are about fun and connection, rather than candy and craze can mean all the difference for employees during this time. We’ve come up with a few ways you can get your office in the holiday spirit while supporting your people in their healthy goals all at the same time.

October

While adding a little Boo to your Biz is a great way to have fun and celebrate the season, this holiday has become synonymous with one word: candy. But, the truth is, that one solid month of sugar highs isn’t helping employees or your business. Keep the candy corn on lock until the last week of the month. Then, after the 31st has past, donate or throw out the left overs. Keeping the candy around is just a temptation that’s fueling stress and guilt in the office. Trust us. You’re doing everyone a favor by not having it around for weeks afterwards.

Other ideas?

• Hold a pumpkin carving contest
• Have a Costume week with themes (Netflix Series, Favorite Food, Historical Figure, Emojis, Horror Movie)
• Provide seasonal teas to curb those nasty PSL cravings. (just make sure you spread the word that they’re available!)
• Have a “Grab-a-Gourd” table. Encourage seasonal eating by providing a table of edible gourds for employees to pick up and take home for dinner. Offer some printable recipe suggestions, and the table can double as decoration.

November

Now that that candy’s been banished, it’s time to celebrate the fall season in seriousness. Keep fall snacks around like popcorn dusted with Pumkin Pie Spice, apples, and spiced nuts.

Want to take it a bit further?

• Create a seasonal coffee bar. Supply with pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, seasonal teas, and a milk medley (almond, cashew, macadamia).
• Host a healthy pot-luck.
• Have a healthy cook-off. Create a point system gaining points for dairy free, gluten free, number of vegetables included, and a judging panel for a taste testing.
• Provide Farmer’s Market Favors. Along the lines of the gourd giveaway, each week provide a seasonal veggie recipe list and a snack (or sample) of the veggie at hand. Seasonal eating is an important part of wellbeing and gets everyone feeling the fall.
• Do an office sponsored Volunteer Day. What better way to give thanks and give back than with a volunteer day. You give people the feels while doing good. There’s nothing healthier.

December

Now’s when things can get a little crazy. Provide yoga or meditation to help with high stress levels, encourage team work, and support employees in their work/life balance.

Some other ideas include

• Have a holiday decorating contest. Provide materials and assign teams different areas of the office. Make everyone feel included and ask the interns to judge!
• Have a holiday card exchange. It’s less costly than a secret santa, and ask that every one write 3 compliments in their cards. Instead of tangible gifts, you’re giving all the feels.
• Host a Carol Writing Contest. Then have a talent show. The laughter, alone, is cause for improved wellbeing.

No matter what the holiday is, always help your employees rebound from the celebrations. Provide plenty of water (infuse it with lemon for a little extra), throw out the lingering treats, and instead of the typical bagel mornings or pizza lunch, opt for healthy options to help everyone shake the holiday hangover.

Want more ideas for supporting health during the holidays? Reach out! Hello@twpnyc.com