Festive fatigue fuelling burnout, research shows

Last year alone saw a 42% rise in workplace incidents during the holiday period, according to data provided by EcoOnline, highlighting fatigue brought on by increased workloads and extended working hours. 

Additional data found by the NHS workforce insights paint a clear picture that Christmas is one of the most dangerous periods of the year for tired, overstretched employees. 

Brenig Moore, technical director and HSE Expert, from Astutis, says: “The end of the year is traditionally hectic, but today that pressure has escalated. Businesses are contending with tighter deadlines, reduced staffing as colleagues take leave, year-end financial targets, seasonal demand spikes and increased shift work. The result is a sharp rise in employee exhaustion.

“Fatigue builds quickly when demand spikes and teams are stretched thin. Employers must recognise that festive fatigue isn’t just about feeling tired, it’s directly linked to safety risks, reduced concentration and potentially serious accidents. Addressing this now will protect staff wellbeing and strengthen overall safety performance.”

HSE data sourced by Astutis highlights certain industries are disproportionately affected, including:

• Retail and hospitality

• Healthcare

• Logistics and transportation

• Facilities and customer service

• Manufacturing with year-end fulfilment

Both employees and employers within these workplaces are among the most exposed to potential incidents and injuries due to extended hours, increased customer demand, and the pressure to keep operations running during the holiday period. 

Additionally, a rise in presenteeism means many employees continue to work even when exhausted, unwell or mentally depleted, further compounding the risk.

Brenig discusses the actions that employers should take now, to help avoid the festive fatigue, and reduce injuries and stress. He says, “Taking proactive steps to manage festive-season fatigue is key to preventing avoidable accidents and ensuring teams enter the new year safely. Employers should introduce a number of key steps into their everyday communications. This should include introducing a seasonal safety briefing, highlighting fatigue risks, safe-working reminders and procedures for escalation.

Employers and managers should also rebalance workloads – resisting the temptation to fill every gap. Rotas should allow for rest periods and fair distribution of work.

Encourage restorative time off, and make it culturally acceptable for employees to switch off fully during leave. If you’re working while you’re sick, your employees will feel as though they have to too.

Monitor for fatigue indicators – managers should be trained to spot early signs of exhaustion, stress or cognitive overload.

All HR professionals and employers should strengthen mental-health and well-being support – Provide access to resources, EAPs, or trained well-being leads. This should be something ongoing, but particularly should be reinforced over the festiveseason.”

Astutis has published a detailed review of workplace fatality and safety trends over the past decade, including industry-specific risks and seasonal variations.