The first of December not only marks the beginning of Advent, but for many also the start of a steadily increasing slump in motivation. In the last month of the year, when the Christmas holidays are fast approaching, it is often difficult to summon up the energy needed for office work.

According to a study by Peakon (conducted in Germany, the UK and the USA), by 19 December, every second employee is preoccupied with thoughts of their Christmas holiday. For many, the end of the year and the final month that this entails is a time for taking stock, unwinding and letting go in advance. Switching off mentally impedes productivity and causes employees to come virtually to a standstill. Peakon also states in its study that the motivation of younger office workers declines significantly faster. The so-called Generation Z is particularly difficult to motivate during Advent and pays meticulous attention to a healthier work-life balance.

So what can we do to counteract this December slump? “Let’s wind down” is a good catchword here. Team events, meetings, discussions where you take stock and one or two group visits to the punch stand can ensure that the year ends on a calm and stress-free note. If motivation seems to have come to a full stop, the Christmas holiday could begin a few days earlier. In this way, there will still be enough time for various preparations and the time spent in the office will not be wasted.

A peaceful Advent working from home?

Spending the pre-Christmas period working from home might further dampen motivation. If there is no contact with colleagues (as is often the case in times of the Coronavirus pandemic), motivation looks just as bleak in the dark winter months as the weather does outside. Adding a festive touch to your home office is one way to remedy this. You can do this by putting up some atmospheric decorations, baking Christmas biscuits for the breaks or organising a joint Christmas party with your colleagues. Even when working from home, it is a good idea not to start any more large projects. Finishing off outstanding tasks or planning for the coming year is less demanding and can boost motivation. To-do lists for each day or week have a motivating effect and enable you to work through the last important items systematically.