If you’re in human resources, you already know… December is HR Hell Month!
A plethora of hard deadlines like payroll reconciliation, helping employees understand Open Enrollment, ensuring FSA funds and remaining benefits are used up, performance reviews, and processing year-end bonuses are all annual requirements on your list. Tack on a variety of arbitrary deadlines from miscellaneous other departments, planning the holiday party, colleagues using up all the PTO they forgot to take throughout the year, helping employees cope with the stress of the season… and oh yeah, dealing with the personal craziness of your own holiday season!
To make matters even worse, the HR department can be a very lonely place during this time of the year. As we’ve discussed before, being in-between leadership and employees can put you in an awkward position—caught between enforcing policies, meeting executive demands, and showing compassion to employees who rely on you as a trusted confidant. You’re the glue holding everything together, but it can often feel like no one’s looking out for you.
If we were in charge, we would find a way to spread some of these HR duties out throughout the year. Unfortunately, as strategic HR consultants, we are most certainly not in charge. So we make do, and like superheroes, we help get it all done.
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t try to make it a little bit easier on ourselves and our organizational counterparts. To all of you HR people out there: We hope you recognize that you have a critical, but nearly impossible job during every holiday season. It’s okay to give yourself some credit, find ways to lighten the load, and make your life just a little bit better during such a crazy time.
So, with that said, here are 6 ways you can take some of the pressure off and look out for yourself, when it feels like the weight of HR Hell Month is all on your shoulders.
1. Ask for what you deserve.
Your job isn’t easy. You know it, and (hopefully) so does leadership. And if you’re good at what you do, you deserve to be compensated for it. Whether it’s a well-earned raise, additional resources, or simply recognition for your hard work, don’t shy away from asking for what you deserve.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak up! Asking for support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of self-awareness. Whether it’s more hands on deck, better tools, or a clear prioritization of tasks, make your needs known.
2. Determine what’s a heart attack, and what’s not.
Not every task on your December to-do list is an emergency. Step back and evaluate: what truly requires immediate attention, and what can wait? Resist the urge to treat everything like a fire. By focusing on what’s critical, you’ll be more effective and less frazzled.
Recognize the difference between external deadlines and self-imposed ones. Ask yourself: is this task really as urgent as it feels, or am I putting unnecessary pressure on myself? If you need to shift deadlines, make sure to communicate with all parties impacted by the decision. By managing your expectations and those of others, you’ll reduce stress and free up energy for what truly matters.
3. Delegate to your network.
It’s right there in the name: “Human Resources” aren’t just a department — they’re the people and talents all around you which you can lean on. Leverage your network, both inside and outside your organization. If you have someone on your team who excels at project management, let them take the lead on organizing that benefits deadline. Know someone who’s organized, creative, and good with budgets? Let them plan the holiday party!
Again, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Sharing the load is more than just practical — it’s essential to getting through HR Hell Month with your sanity intact. Tapping the strengths of those around you can also help deepen your relationships and connections with your colleagues. People love to feel valued, and asking for their expertise shows trust and appreciation for their skills.
4. Plan ahead for next year.
When you’re in the middle of HR Hell Month, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture—you’re buried in deadlines, juggling crises, and checking off tasks as quickly as they come. You may not be able to see the forest for the trees, but a little foresight can make a huge difference.
As you navigate the chaos, take note of the specific tasks and issues that are bogging you down this December. Are there recurring bottlenecks? Processes that feel unnecessarily manual? Confusion around deadlines or policies? Keep a running list, even if it’s just a quick note.
Then, when things calm down in a month or two, revisit those notes with fresh eyes. Use what you’ve learned to map out a smoother, more manageable plan for next year. Can a certain process be automated? Should something typically done in December have an earlier deadline? The time you invest in your down-time will pay dividends in the future.
5. Give critical situations immediate attention.
Recognizing what can go on the back burner is a great skill, but some issues simply can’t wait — like workplace incidents that put your company’s entire culture at risk. Consider this “based on a true story” scenario:
The holiday party you planned was in full swing, with a lively crowd, a packed dance floor, and plenty of festive cheer. The open bar had loosened everyone up, including the department head, who quickly became the life of the party. With a drink in hand, he bounced from group to group, encouraging colleagues to dance — and playfully teasing those who resisted.
At first, his antics were harmless enough. A few employees chuckled as he dramatically twirled on the dance floor and clapped along to the music. But as the night wore on and the drinks continued to flow, his behavior began to devolve.
He danced his way over to a new-ish employee standing quietly at the edge of the room. She smiled politely as he approached, clearly hoping to stay on the sidelines. Undeterred, her boss urged her to join him, laughing off her polite refusals and placing a hand on her exposed back.
What started as an attempt to coax her into dancing quickly became uncomfortable. The hand on her back lingered as she shifted away, but he was too drunk to notice — or care.
Around the room, colleagues exchanged uneasy glances. What had been a night of celebration and joy shifted to one of discomfort and embarrassment. The festive atmosphere was quickly replaced by an HR crisis which just took over the top-spot on your to-do list.
HR Hell Month just got even worse.
Unfortunately, this kind of incident isn’t uncommon. It is however, something that must be addressed swiftly. Timeliness is critical: conducting a thorough investigation and taking appropriate action sends a clear message about your organization’s priorities and values. Neglecting to act decisively not only risks damaging trust and morale but also erodes the very foundation of your company culture.
6. Remember, you are not alone.
We know that December is tough for a lot of people. Depression rates rise during the holidays, financial anxieties are amplified, personal obligations multiply, and people are not always the best version of themselves. This can make the office feel like a lonely place, and the pressure can sometimes feel unrelenting for HR professionals. As you navigate the demands of HR Hell Month, it’s easy to feel isolated, as if the responsibility for everything (and everyone) rests entirely on you.
But you aren’t in this by yourself!
There are always people who can help — and sometimes you just need to ask. Whether it’s needing extra resources, delegating tasks to someone else, advocating for the compensation you deserve, or bringing on a strategic HR consultant (cough cough) — understanding that leaning on others isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s how great HR teams thrive.
The best organizations know that a strong, supported HR team is essential to a thriving workplace culture. And leaders of those organizations take notice of those who prioritize and work to grow that culture.
Even when your internal resources fall short, external support is out there. At Flynn Barrett Consulting, we’re here to lighten your load, provide expert guidance, and help you navigate the challenges of the holiday season (and the rest of the year) with clarity and confidence.
Whether you need some help strategizing for smoother operations next year, or managing a high-stakes investigation today, you don’t have to go it alone.
Happy Holidays!
