Happier During The Holidays?

MENLO PARK, Calif., Nov. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- 'Tis the season to be jolly — off and on the clock. In a recent survey of professionals from staffing firm Accountemps, more than half (51 percent) said they are more cheerful at work during the holidays. But many are also busier, with 35 percent of respondents saying they are more stressed on the job this time of year.

What makes workers weary during the most wonderful time of the year? Professionals polled cited balancing holiday events and work obligations (32 percent), taking time off and coming back to heavy workloads (23 percent), and having fewer people on the job to help (18 percent) as the most stressful aspects of the holiday season.

As for the gift that would bring the most cheer, professionals cited higher year-end bonuses (37 percent), more flexible work schedules (32 percent) and additional paid vacation time (17 percent).

View infographics with city rankings of happiest and most stressed workers during the holidays, as well as top stressors for employees.

City Rankings of Happiest Workers During the Holidays
(From Most to Least Happy)

City Rankings of Most Stressed Workers During the Holidays
(From Most to Least Stressed)

"Between professional responsibilities and personal commitments, it's all too easy for employees to become overwhelmed during the holiday season," said Michael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps. "Managers can support their teams by allowing more flexible schedules and bringing in temporary staff to assist with year-end projects."

Steinitz added, "Workers should take time off to enjoy the season with family and friends and avoid burnout that could carry over into the new year."

As the holidays approach, Accountemps offers the following tips to prevent on-the-job fatigue:

• 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-do's. This will help you manage priorities, improve productivity and reduce stress during the holidays.
• Look for helpers. If you're buried with too many projects, speak up. Meet with your manager to discuss possible solutions to alleviate the pressure you're feeling, such as adjusting deadlines or delegating.
• Give yourself the gift of time. Plan for time out of the office, and help your boss prepare for your absence so all important projects are covered. Think about ways you can minimize your stress level, such as leaving a little early to get holiday shopping done.
• Eat, exercise and be merry. It's impossible to enjoy the holiday season if you don't prioritize your physical and mental health. Take regular breaks during the day to refuel, rest or stretch.

About the Survey
An independent research firm surveyed more than 2,700 workers from 27 major U.S. cities to determine which cities have the happiest and most-stressed employees during the holiday season, as well as the impact of holiday stress.

About Accountemps
Accountemps, a Robert Half company, is the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. The staffing firm has 325 locations worldwide. More resources, including job search services, can be found at roberthalf.com/work-with-us/our-services/accountemps.

SOURCE Accountemps