Issues Managers Can Anticipate at the Holidays

Here are some issues that most managers will need to be addressing this time of year.

1. Depression. While depression is prevalent throughout the year, seasonal depression will exacerbate with the holidays and with less daylight hours.

2. Drinking on the job.

3. Increased absenteeism. Time off for shopping, to recover from the weekend, from general exhaustion, etc.

4. Upper management with their ample accrued time-off will all be out of the office. Owners, CEOs and others who have 4 weeks or more to take off during a year may save it for this time of year intentionally or will have to work it in to use it so they don't lose it.

5. Shopping online.

6. Budget problems. This is a difficult time of year where money is concerned. There may be either no money because it's all used up, or money that needs to be quickly spent.

7. Candles around flammable objects, scented things. Safety and health risks, as some people are allergic to or sensitive to scents.

8. Preoccupation with money, holidays, shopping, in-laws, family gatherings. etc. Thi, combined with fatigue, will be of particular concern for employees in dangerous occupations.

9. Christmas carols on the computer or singing in the office.

10. Increased arguments and tempers because of worries over money, family issues, extra work, less sleep, more partying.

And any of these may apply to you.