Author: Elissa Biegen
As an HR professional, your workload can become intense as the end of the year approaches. Annual renewal processes, managing open enrollment, tax reporting and the many other year-end tasks require extra time and attention on top of daily responsibilities.
Best-practice strategies can help manage this expanded workload and avoid burnout during high-pressure year-end periods. Consider these six approaches.
1. Prioritize and plan
- Stay organized and on top of critical tasks with tools like Gallagher's HR year-end checklist.
- Set priorities by focusing on high-impact tasks first, tackling less urgent ones later.
- Divide large projects into smaller, manageable steps to reduce overwhelm.
2. Delegate and leverage support
Empower team members by delegating responsibilities. Partner with external providers like Gallagher for fractional HR support to extend your team and handle specific tasks and projects — or manage everyday tasks on an ongoing basis.
3. Automate and streamline processes
Use HR technology to automate repetitive tasks like payroll, benefits administration and compliance tracking. Streamline workflows to reduce inefficiencies and save time.
4. Set boundaries
Avoid overcommitting by setting realistic expectations with leadership and employees. Schedule regular breaks and stick to them to recharge during the day.
5. Communicate effectively
Keep open lines of communication with leadership to manage expectations and secure additional resources if needed. Regularly update your team on progress and challenges to foster collaboration.
6. Focus on self-care
Prioritize physical and mental health by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Practice stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise or journaling.
By using these tools and strategies, HR professionals can effectively manage year-end workloads, reduce stress and avoid burnout, ensuring a productive and successful year-end transition.
