It’s mid-December in Perth, which often means more customers, longer hours and an increased workload.
While this time of year can bring a welcome boost in sales and energy, it can also leave your staff and you feeling physically and mentally drained – or in other words, suffering from festive fatigue.
To ensure your business can make it through the end of the year busy period, here’s how to spot and manage the signs of festive fatigue so your team stays healthy, engaged and ready for the new year.
Why it’s important to manage your team’s energy at the end of the year
As the year comes to a close, small business owners often face peak workloads, longer hours and higher customer demand. According to Hello Leaders, more than 60 per cent of Australian employees say they feel more stressed or tired in the lead up to Christmas.
In regional parts of WA, fatigue risks can be even higher when staff take annual leave and replacements are hard to find. Fatigue doesn’t just affect performance. It also increases the risk of workplace accidents. As an employer, you have a duty of care under WA’s Work Health and Safety laws to manage those risks.
The causes and signs of fatigue
The festive season brings a mix of business pressure and personal commitments. Long shifts, social events and hot weather can all contribute to tiredness.
Common causes include:
- Extra workloads and longer hours
- Back to back shifts or not enough recovery time
- Heat and dehydration, especially in WA summers
- Pressure to meet end of year targets
- Family or social commitments outside of work
Watch for signs such as:
- Slower reaction times or more mistakes
- Difficulty concentrating or following instructions
- Irritability or emotional reactions
- Arriving late or appearing disengaged
- Saying “I’m fine” when they clearly aren’t
Responding early makes a difference
If you notice signs of fatigue, act early and start an open, respectful conversation. Ask simple questions like “How are you managing your shifts this week?” or “Would an extra short break help you today?”
For example, a small café owner in Fremantle noticed one of their baristas making repeated order errors during the December rush. A quick one on one chat revealed she had been working double shifts while caring for family. The owner adjusted the roster and encouraged time off, which led to better performance and a happier team.
Encourage your staff to:
- Take regular breaks away from their work area
- Stay hydrated and eat nutritious food
- Speak up if they are feeling run down
Have fatigue management strategies in place
Good planning helps prevent fatigue before it becomes a problem. Try these simple strategies:
- Plan rosters early - Give staff plenty of notice so they can plan rest and family time.
- Rotate tasks and allow recovery time - Avoid scheduling the same employee on late and early shifts back to back.
- Encourage good sleep habits - Remind your team to switch off screens before bed and avoid caffeine late in the day.
- Prioritise what really matters - Decide which tasks need to be finished before Christmas and which can wait.
- Offer flexibility where possible - Allow shift swapping or reduced hours if your business can manage it.
- Review workplace conditions - Noise, heat and poor lighting can make fatigue worse. Make small changes to improve comfort.
- Check in after the holidays - Fatigue can continue even after the rush. Consider lighter duties or flexible hours early in the new year.
Quick checklist for managing festive fatigue
☑ Have you planned rosters to include enough rest between shifts?
☑ Have you discussed workloads and leave plans with each team member?
☑ Do staff feel comfortable raising fatigue concerns?
☑ Are healthy snacks, water and regular breaks available?
☑ Have you planned some recovery time for yourself as the owner?
Make your team feel valued and appreciated
A simple thank you can go a long way. As Forbes contributor Dr Bryan Robinson points out, recognition from leaders is one of the most effective ways to reduce employee stress.
You don’t need to throw a big event. Small, genuine gestures often have the most impact. You could:
- Write a personal note of appreciation
- Offer an extra break or shorter shift as a reward
- Hold a short team reflection after the rush to recognise achievements
- Celebrate safely and inclusively, avoiding too much alcohol and making sure everyone feels comfortable.
Final thought
Taking a few small steps now can protect your team and your business during the busiest time of year.
Start by reviewing your roster, checking in with your team or planning a simple end of year thank you. Your people, and your future self, will appreciate it.
Showing appreciation helps your team finish the year on a positive note and start the new one feeling motivated.
More information and support
Managing fatigue is part of creating a safe and sustainable workplace. You can find more information about your work health and safety obligations on the WorkSafe WA website.
Other helpful resources include:
- The Federal Government funded Ahead for Business program has free resources and online training you can use to help create and support a healthy workplace.
- Need a break from your own business? Find out how to take a holiday to recharge.
- If you’d like to discuss an issue facing your business or how to support your employees, book an appointment with our free business advisory service.
