In what has been a year like no other, time seems to have flown by with just a month to go until Christmas and six weeks until the start of a new year. For employees, workloads are likely to be dominated by planning meetings and the inevitable rush to get projects finished up in time for the Christmas break.

With so much to do in such a short space of time the challenge facing employers is to ensure their teams stay motivated and engaged while avoiding burn out.

To help employers navigate this busy period, Amy Tomlinson, Head of HR at MetLife, has shared four tips on what businesses should be considering to keep employees engaged.

Watch out for employee burnout: Being aware of changes to an employee’s productivity is vital. Managers need to be vigilant when monitoring how individuals interact or show signs of disengagement. People can hide behind a computer and be unseen very easily, particularly in a remote working environment. The typical ‘calling in sick’ stats may reduce, the reality can be very different as people are effectively hidden. Helping employees use their annual leave, by either selling, buying or rolling over to the next year can be a small step with a huge benefit.

Create an environment where people can speak up: If employees feel safe and able to share their challenges with mental health, employers will be able to identify the risks and devise strategies to better manage such issues. Businesses need to learn how to start conversations and reduce the stigma around mental ill-health at what can be a very overwhelming and lonely time of year.

Do talk finances We all know that Christmas can be an expensive time of year for everyone so one of the ways that employers can help to alleviate some concern and show that they understand what people’s focus is on right now is to highlight the financial support available to employees. Alongside this advice and giving practical information on managing daily budgets and savings is likely to be well received. Initiating dialogue around financial wellbeing will assist with breaking down the taboos.

Make time for fun: Even though the office party may not be taking place this year, putting time aside to socialise as a team can be a big morale booster. Start thinking now about how you can hold Christmas celebrations virtually, maybe you could arrange a gift drop to people’s homes if you’re working remotely or host a wine tasting for people to join in with. While you might not be able to be together physically, booking out time for a virtual Christmas Quiz or just a catch-up after work is a nice gesture and gives people a chance to catch up in an informal setting.