As the festive season approaches, many employees find their focus slipping and it’s not just in their heads. Shorter workweeks, family logistics, travel plans, and financial pressure all pile onto normal workloads, yet most people still blame themselves for feeling distracted. In fact, Google searches for “work productivity hacks during Christmas” skyrocketed 5,000% last December.
A past survey also showed that around 50% of U.S. employees expect their productivity to drop by Dec. 15-16, with the U.K. following a few days later and Germany about five days after that. Across all three countries, focus hits its lowest point by the final Friday before Christmas, and a further 20% of U.S. workers lose concentration between Dec. 19-20, the true start of the holiday wind-down.
The productivity experts at AI assistant platform Skywork AI explain why so many employees struggle with the holiday work slump during this season.
“We tell ourselves we should be as focused in December as any other month, but that’s simply unrealistic. Your normal routine faces a real disruption with so much festive excitement to look forward to—from celebrations with loved ones, to the anticipation of traveling home and the experience of giving and receiving gifts. Calling that ‘lack of focus’ is like blaming a computer for slowing down when you’ve opened too many tabs. Instead, consciously focus on one task at a time.”
To beat the holiday work slump, the Skywork AI productivity experts share six practical tips to get you started:
1. Prioritize two tasks that matter most: Most people try to power through long to-do lists, which makes the slump feel worse. Instead, choose the two tasks that will genuinely move the needle each day. Completing more important work boosts focus and reduces stress.
2. Set “holiday-mode” working hours: December often brings unpredictable days, so forcing your usual schedule backfires. Create a realistic work window and treat it as non-negotiable. This helps your brain work with the season rather than against it.
3. Protect your focus from small drains: Gift shopping, travel planning, and social commitments quietly steal mental space. Set aside one fixed time each day for personal tasks so they stop interrupting your workflow. Even a 20-minute window can prevent constant distraction.
4. Adjust expectations before burnout hits: Many people try to keep up with their normal output despite having less time and more commitments. Many workplaces organize festive social gatherings, which you should slot into your regular working hours where possible, to avoid burning out. Talk to your manager early about shifting deadlines or narrowing priorities. Clear communication beats silent overwhelm.
5. Stop multitasking as it worsens the slump: December is peak season for mental switching, and multitasking drains focus fast. Chunk similar tasks together and stay with one type of work at a time. This keeps your energy steady and your output higher.
6. Take regular breaks: Your brain is carrying more than usual right now. Adding small breaks like a quick walk, five minutes away from your screen, or a quiet moment between tasks resets your attention and prevents the afternoon crash.
“The key to beating the holiday slump is doing things smarter,” the experts say. “When you work with the rhythm of December instead of forcing yourself through it, you stay focused, stay calm, and start the new year without burnout.”
Photo credit: undefined undefined/iStock
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Tags: 2025 holidays, burnout, employees, holidays, Payroll, productivity
