As the end of the year approaches, employers are being encouraged to strengthen mental health support for staff during the Christmas season—a period often marked by higher stress, pressure and emotional strain.
Rehab Management, a leading Australian provider of workplace rehabilitation and wellbeing services, is calling on organisations to take proactive steps to protect employee wellbeing. Through its specialist psychology division, Senda Psychology, the company offers evidence-based programs that promote resilience, mental health and positive workplace culture throughout the year.
Renee Thornton, CEO of Rehab Management, says many employees feel expected to appear cheerful at this time, even when they are experiencing significant challenges.
“For some people the end of the year brings energy, but for others it brings overwhelm,” she said. “Family conflict, loneliness, financial stress or simple exhaustion can make this period difficult. Employers can make a real difference by ensuring mental health support is visible, easy to access and actively encouraged.”
Senda Psychology delivers a broad range of mental health and organisational wellbeing services, including clinical counselling, leadership coaching, manager assist programs, psychosocial risk assessments and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These services aim to help workplaces move beyond reactive support and build psychological safety into everyday practice.
Michelle Barratt, Head of Innovation at Arriba Group—parent company of Senda Psychology—says lowering barriers to help is essential.
“Having an EAP is not enough. Employees need clear information on how it works, what it offers and assurance that it is genuinely safe to use,” she said. “Simple actions like promoting support options, encouraging managers to check in with their teams and normalising conversations about stress can make staff feel more supported during what can be a tough time.”
Five ways workplaces can support mental health this Christmas
- Re-share EAP and wellbeing contact details, reminding staff that support remains confidential and available during the holidays.
- Equip managers to spot early signs of distress.
- Offer flexibility for employees handling personal or family challenges.
- Set realistic expectations around end-of-year workloads.
- Encourage connection and team check-ins before the break.
Thornton says even small actions can have a lasting impact.
“When employees know their wellbeing is taken seriously, they feel safer, more valued and more engaged at work. A little preparation now can prevent issues from escalating over the holiday period.”
Rehab Management and Senda Psychology continue to work with organisations across Australia to deliver integrated workplace rehabilitation, psychological support and wellbeing programs that strengthen both people and performance.
Related topics:
