This informal CPD article, ' The Gift of Care: Recognizing Efforts in Mental Well-being This Holiday Season’, was provided by iGROW CorpHealth, partnering with Corporates to drive Employee Engagement through Holistic Health Solutions.
The holiday season is a time for celebration, connection, and giving. Beyond the glittering lights and festive gatherings, it’s also a meaningful moment to reflect on the care we’ve shown ourselves and others throughout the year. In the workplace, recognizing and nurturing mental well-being is one of the greatest gifts we can give. From practicing self-compassion to engaging in community service, these acts of care ripple through our teams, building resilience, connection, and purpose.
Unwrapping the Power of Self-Compassion
As the year draws to a close, many of us feel the weight of the challenges we’ve faced. Amid this reflection, self-compassion becomes a powerful ally. Far from being an indulgence, self-compassion equips us with the resilience to navigate difficult moments while fostering emotional intelligence and empathy.
According to Dr. Kristen Neff and Dr. Christopher Germer, self-compassion (1) involves six key capacities: comforting, soothing, validating, protecting, providing for, and motivating oneself. For example, comforting yourself might involve leaning into difficult emotions, while soothing could mean calming your body through mindful breathing.
In the workplace, self-compassionate leaders cultivate environments where individuals feel safe to grow, learn, and connect. Research (2) shows that these leaders inspire higher team engagement and performance while maintaining their own emotional resilience. Encouraging self-compassion workshops during the holiday season provides employees with the tools to address their struggles with kindness and renew their strength for the year ahead.
From Caring for Ourselves to Caring for Others
While self-compassion helps us recharge individually, it naturally extends to how we interact with others. The holiday season is a perfect time to channel this care outward by participating in collective acts of giving, such as volunteer programs.
Volunteerism empowers employees to contribute to causes they care about, creating a sense of purpose and community. Employees who participate in these initiatives report higher morale (3), increased skills, and even a heightened sense of leadership potential.
Organizing a Team Volunteer Day during the holiday season allows employees to come together for a meaningful cause. Whether it’s supporting local charities or organizing a community project, volunteering fosters team connection, enhances individual growth, and reflects the company’s commitment to societal impact.
A Season of Gratitude and Connection
As we celebrate this festive season, it’s worth remembering that the best gifts we can offer are often intangible—care, connection, and understanding. Practicing self-compassion reminds us to nurture our inner resilience, while acts of service, like volunteering, help us create lasting bonds with those around us. Together, these actions not only strengthen individual well-being but also lay the foundation for a more compassionate workplace.
Reflect on how you’ve cared for yourself and others this year. Consider hosting or participating in a self-compassion workshop or a team volunteer activity to spread the spirit of connection and giving. This holiday season, let the gift of care inspire us all to build a healthier, more connected workplace in the year ahead.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from iGROW CorpHealth, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
(1) https://www.youthfrontiers.org/the-benefits-of-fostering-self-compassion-in-the-workplace/
(2) https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/03/13/self-compassion-and-its-importance-in-business/
(3) https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10007-encourage-employee-volunteer-work.html
