Why Holiday Season Stress Climbs — and What Leaders Must Know
The holiday season might seem like a time of joy, connection, and celebration. But according to a recent survey by Rula Health, many Americans are actually more stressed during this time of year. Across 40 major U.S. cities, 70 % of respondents say they feel higher stress during the holidays compared to their typical stress levels. (Rula)
Key Findings: Where and Why Stress Rises
The survey reveals a number of compelling insights that are particularly relevant for leaders, HR professionals, and anyone invested in workplace culture and employee well-being.
Which cities feel it most
The survey ranked cities by the increase in stress from baseline. At the top of the list is Louisville, Kentucky, with a holiday stress score of 98.98 (out of 100). (Rula)
Following Louisville is Nashville, Tennessee at 95.00 and Minneapolis, Minnesota at 88.24. (Rula)
On the flip side, Jacksonville, Florida logged the least rise in stress, with Los Angeles, California and Austin, Texas close behind. (Rula)
What drives the stress
Gift costs: 75 % of respondents cited gift costs as a major holiday stressor. (Rula)
Gift planning: 71 % said the planning process itself is stressful. (Rula)
Traffic & crowded stores: 67 % named heavy traffic and nearly 64 % pointed to crowded shopping environments. (Rula)
Overspending: 61 % reported overspending or financial strain beyond gift costs; the average person spends roughly $261.16 over budget during the season. (Rula)
Hosting and traveling pressures: Hosting a holiday meal, cleaning ahead of guests, travel weather uncertainty, and travel costs all show up as significant stressors. (Rula)
How people cope
Movement/exercise is the top stress reliever (53 %). (Rula)
Planning ahead ranked close to half of respondents as a helpful strategy. (Rula)
Sleep or a power nap is cited by nearly half. (Rula)
Other methods: comfort eating, talking with friends, saying “no” to invitations, and setting boundaries. (Rula)
Implications for Workplace Culture & Leadership
As someone who focuses on burnout, workplace culture, and retention, these findings carry clear relevance. The holidays don’t pause work stress; they simply overlay additional pressure. Here are a few leadership take-aways:
Expect heightened stress: If your team lives in or commutes through one of the higher-stress cities, anticipate that the holiday rush may amplify existing pressures.
Address financial and time pressures: Gift costs and planning time are major contributors. Offer resources or flexibility (e.g., compressed work weeks, optional social events) to alleviate.
Promote mental health strategies: Remind your team of simple but effective coping techniques like short walks, managing expectations, sleep hygiene, and boundary-setting.
Model healthy culture: Leaders must vocalize boundaries and self-care — this shapes norms. At the Breakfast Leadership Network we emphasize how a high-performance culture includes calm-focus, not constant hustle.
Offer support proactively: Whether it’s through counselling benefits, internal peer-support groups, or quiet-room downtime, build in supports now, not after a meltdown.
Quick Action Plan for Leaders
To translate insights to action, try these three simple steps:
Pre-holiday check-in: Host a short team huddle to ask how people are feeling and if any holiday-related concerns are emerging.
Micro-shifts in scheduling: Offer optional half-day Fridays or flexible start times in high-traffic or high-stress locales.
Encourage boundary setting: Send a tip sheet with suggestions such as: “It’s OK to say no,” “Set a budget,” “Plan one gift for yourself,” “Take a walk before heading into the meetings.”
Why This Matters for Retention
Holiday stress doesn’t separate personal life from work life. The spillover is real. When employees feel overburdened by external demands without support from their employer culture, they become more vulnerable to burnout, disengagement, and eventually turnover. By acknowledging and addressing these holiday-specific stressors you send a strong message: We see you. We care. We’re proactive. That is a platform for building a burnout-proof workplace culture.
Key Takeaway
The survey by Rula Health shows holiday stress is more than seasonal cheer gone wrong. It’s a measurable uptick in pressure affecting millions of Americans across major cities. Leaders who ignore it are leaving a hidden vulnerability unaddressed. At the Breakfast Leadership Network we believe workplace culture must incorporate emotional context, human rhythms and strategic support. Use this moment to reinforce both care and clarity in your team.
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