Strategies for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time when many feel the pressure to juggle work demands with holiday tasks and personal commitments. For Executive Assistants, the challenge is amplified as you balance multiple responsibilities, all while ensuring that year-end deadlines are met and projects are closed out successfully.
From my experience, navigating this period effectively comes down to strategic planning, clear boundaries, and maintaining focus on what matters most. Over the years, I’ve learned that with the right approach, it’s possible not only to manage the rush but to end the year on a strong note, both professionally and personally.
Start by reassessing your workload and identifying what truly needs to be done before the year ends. For some tasks, especially those that impact the broader organisation, it’s about prioritising high-impact activities. For others, it might mean pushing certain items into the new year or shifting deadlines where possible. Make sure your time is spent on what brings the most value to the business.
At the same time, don’t overlook the importance of personal commitments. The holiday season is an opportunity to recharge, but it’s easy to feel guilty about stepping back. I’ve found that blocking time for personal tasks—whether it’s holiday shopping, family gatherings, or simply a break—can prevent burnout and ensure that you can give your best at work. This is something I’ve learned through trial and error; if you neglect your personal commitments, it affects your productivity, which ultimately impacts your professional performance.
Delegation is another key component of maintaining balance during this period. This isn’t just about passing tasks off to others; it’s about being strategic in what you handle yourself and what you can trust others to manage. At work, this could mean asking your executive to take on certain meetings or responsibilities in order to free up time for higher-priority items. At home, it’s about distributing holiday-related tasks if you're able to, whether it’s organising events or handling logistics.
But the most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of setting boundaries. It’s easy to get caught up in the urgency of the season, but establishing clear boundaries ensures that you can give your best to both. Having an open conversation with your executive about your availability during the holiday season is critical. Likewise, communicating with loved ones about your need for downtime ensures you have the space to recharge.
From a business owner’s perspective, recognising the challenges your EA may face during this time is key. Supporting your EA with flexibility, managing expectations, and showing appreciation for their hard work makes a significant difference in their ability to manage the season effectively. A small gesture, like offering a flexible schedule or acknowledging their efforts, can go a long way in maintaining their engagement and productivity.
Ultimately, surviving the holiday rush doesn’t mean working harder or sacrificing your well-being. It’s about being strategic in how you allocate time and energy. It’s about staying focused on what truly matters and learning to say no to the things that don’t. By managing your workload efficiently, maintaining boundaries, and delegating when necessary, you can ensure that both your professional and personal commitments are met without burnout.
As we approach the holiday season, I encourage you to take a step back, assess what needs to be done, and implement strategies that will allow you to finish the year strong.
Stay focused, keep it simple, and enjoy the season.
Henrietta
