EMPLOYER'S CORNER: Five ways employers can prepare for the holidays

The holidays and the end of the year can be a very stressful time for all human resources professionals and employers generally. People are trying to wrap up projects, take vacations and finish out the year, which often causes a flurry of activity. This makes for a busy season with a lot of unnecessary stress.

Here are several ways employers can reduce holiday stress:

1. Many employers like to throw holiday parties as a way of unifying the staff and celebrating a year of accomplishments and hard work. Scheduling these events during working time can make it easier for employees to attend.

2. Many employers have special policies that apply during the holiday period, such as which days the business will be closed. Also there are policies in place that are particularly applicable during the holidays, such as leave or vacation policies. Go over these policies before the holiday season begins so employees are aware of or refreshed about these policies.

3. The holidays mean many people will be out of the office and not available as they usually would be, which requires managers to plan ahead. Management meetings and other foreseeable projects should be planned in advance of the holiday season to avoid stress and a last minute rush.

4. Don't place any pressure on employees to participate in seasonal events, charity drives or the like. Employees celebrate the holidays differently depending on their situation and circumstances. Make sure all holiday events are optional and that employees don't feel pressured to participate.

5. Prepare for employee absences! The holiday season often brings flu, colds, family obligations and other reasons which may cause employees to be absent from work. Have a backup plan and prepare for both unexpected and expected absences during this time of year.

As always, with any employment related issues or concerns, don't hesitate to contact an experienced employment lawyer.

Sarah Phaff is an employment law attorney in Atlanta and Macon at the national labor and employment law firm of Constangy, Brooks, & Smith LLP.

This story was originally published December 8, 2015 at 10:42 PM with the headline "EMPLOYER'S CORNER: Five ways employers can prepare for the holidays ."