It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season can be one of the busiest of the year, both personally and for businesses alike. But with so much going on, many companies struggle to keep employees motivated and focused during the seasonal rush.

Usually people are hurrying to meet year-end targets and solidify business plans for the upcoming year. Depending on the nature of your business, your staff could be facing heavy workloads or an increase in customers, all while balancing family functions, parties, shopping and general preparation for the celebrations ahead.

In fact, a survey by insurance company MetLife found over 40 percent of workers find December to be the most stressful month of the year. There is even a term for this type of stress: “Festive Fizzle-out”.

Here’s a few quick tips on how to keep your staff focused, productive, engaged and happy over the holidays.

1. Stick to Your Schedule

With so much going on, it’s easy to push things to the side. Encourage staff to make a schedule and stick to it. Once it’s in the calendar, make sure they don’t procrastinate. The fewer professional emergencies or stresses, the better, since most people are already feeling a little more taxed than usual at this time of year. Those extra stresses also make it important to be realistic in your scheduling. Don’t try to fit in too much, or you might end up getting less done in the end.

2. Give Staff Some Space

With all the extra activities going on, staff will want to spend a bit more time chatting and sharing stories. You might think this would negatively impact productivity; however, by giving a bit of extra leeway, it could increase their satisfaction, which in turn makes people work harder. Some workplaces will even give staff extra time off to complete errands or shopping, or extra time over Christmas and New Year’s, though that’s not a good fit for everyone. Flexibility can be a good thing, but don’t let staff take it too far – spending work hours shopping online or texting with friends to finalize plans is never productive. Work-from-home options can also backfire at this time of year due to distractions.

3. Come Together

Planning some team building activities around the holidays can also give your employees a boost. The company Christmas party is always great, but consider tackling a special holiday project or picking a charity to support. Whether it’s an afternoon of fundraising games that results in a donation to the United Way, or a toy drive to benefit the local shelter, these types of activities can bring your team closer together. It also makes everyone feel good to be contributing, and who doesn’t want to feel good during the holidays?

4. Put Plans in Place

Careful planning can be a huge help. Ensure operating hours and statutory holidays are well defined, and any additional staff holidays are properly scheduled with the appropriate coverage. On the flip side, be sure any customer promotions or client gifts are well organized and ready to deploy. Staff should understand communication is key at this time of year – make sure they’re being realistic with clients or customers in terms of what type of work can be completed, or action items delivered. No one wants to over promise and under deliver.

5. Enjoy

Too often we get sucked up in the stress of the season and don’t take the time to enjoy. Encourage staff to enjoy time spent with friends and family, and be sure you do the same. This type of downtime can be rejuvenating and can help you refocus to start the new year off right. Work-life balance helps prevent burnout, so come back from the holidays at maximum capacity.