The holiday season is a whirlwind of activity. It can be fun and festive -- but it can also be stressful. Use these tips to keep your workplace running smoothly and help your team feel a little less stressed amid the end-of-year hustle and bustle.

Keep a Calendar

Post a calendar online or offline that organizes everyone's time off so employees know who is in and who is out.

Get Flexible

Everyone wants time off around the holidays. Sometimes it's impossible to grant every request, but don't be a Scrooge. Engage in some give and take. Consider offering incentives for people to work over the holidays to help alleviate stress, like giving holiday volunteers an extra day off in the new year.

Be Festive

Decorate the office, encourage people to decorate their personal workspaces, host potlucks or even a catered lunch to "make spirits bright."

Lead by Example

You may want to duck out early to do some shopping or use work hours to shop online yourself. Stay focused and set the example you want your employees to follow.

Do the Unexpected

If work becomes particularly slow, boost morale and surprise your team by letting them leave work an hour or two early to tackle their personal errands or just spend time with family.

Get Out of the Office

Plan a happy hour where you buy the first round or an off-site lunch where you pick up the tab. Getting out of the office helps relieve stress and shows you value your team.

Say Thank You

Two little words go a long way, especially at the end of the year. Write each employee a personal greeting card thanking them for their hard work, and don't forget to say thanks when someone goes above and beyond.

Ask Them What They Want and Need

The best way to help your team reduce stress over the holidays is to simply ask them what they want and need from you to get through the season.

Leverage Temporary and Contract Employees

Work with PrideStaff to access skilled temporary and contract help over the holidays to ease the workload on your staff and maintain peak productivity.

Strategically Plan Hiring for the New Year

Have job openings you're struggling to fill? Planning on expanding your full-time staff? PrideStaff can also ensure you have great people in place for the new year.

Contact the staffing and recruiting experts at PrideStaff today and let us relieve some of your holiday stress.