5 Ways to Reduce Holiday Stress

As a result of pandemic-related personnel shortages and supply chain interruptions, small businesses are experiencing more holiday season stress than normal this year. With so much out of their control, business owners must learn to manage their worry.

Some business owners claim that fine-tuning their operations or merchandise alleviates some of their problems. Self-care and family time are also stress relievers. Owners can also find tranquility by maintaining a realistic perspective on what they can and cannot control. There are strategies to control your mindset – and assist your business get through bad times – if you're apprehensive about the next season.

1. Minimize the impact of supply chain issues: Small business owners that devise a strategy to address the ongoing supply chain issues will have an easier time not only over the holidays, but well into 2022. Many business owners are still unsure if they will be able to obtain manufacturing components or merchandise in time for the Christmas; hundreds of container ships are anchored off the West Coast, and ports are overburdened. If sales are stronger than expected and the supply chain issues continue, it’ll be too late to reorder and get delivery in time for the holidays. Another concern: Delivery services can’t guarantee customers will get their orders on time. Hopefully you ordered early and have patience with those who are getting your items.
2. There are not enough workers so scale back your expectations: Owners are learning how to keep working despite a labor shortage that predates the pandemic. For some, it means keeping their business smaller until they can fill job openings.
3. Focus on long term beyond the holidays: Retailers frequently anticipate making a large chunk of their sales during the holidays. However, the unpredictability of this season is prompting some businesses to take a more holistic strategy, decreasing their expectations for this year and focusing on income prospects in 2022.
4. Remember that everyone is struggling: The pain points are universal this holiday season – supply gridlock and labor shortages affect companies across industries. Owners can take solace from the fact they’re not alone.
5. Avoid burnout and be sure to take care of yourself: When faced with circumstances beyond their control, owners look to a work-life balance to help them with stress — they know when to put the business aside and spend time with their families. A holiday season coinciding with a pandemic poses extraordinary challenges for small business owners. By relying on the qualities that small businesses are famous for — perseverance and resilience — it’s possible to ease the stress and stay optimistic.