Surviving End-Of-Year Work Stress | How America’s Most Trusted Brands Get It Right | How To Navigate Difficult Performance Review Discussions

Plus: Work For A Large Employer? Get Ready For Biden’s Vaccine-Or-Test Mandate

Hello Forbes Careers Readers,

The holidays are upon us, and for many, it’s one of the most stressful times of the year. Balancing year-end work tasks, family responsibilities and social holiday obligations—all while trying to get out of town or take time off—can lead to mental health breakdowns, a sense of failing on various fronts or outright exhaustion. For all too many people, getting a real break from work doesn’t happen: A recent LinkedIn online poll found that just 35% of workers said they’re “totally off” when out of office, rather than working or at least lurking online.

This year, that end-of-year stress is compounded by concerns over a new Covid-19 variant, a labor shortage that’s leaving many workplaces woefully understaffed and anxieties about return-to-office plans that are still in place for many workers come January. To help, focus on your priorities: Forbes contributor Ashley Stahl highlights how using the Eisenhower Matrix can help you survive when your workplace is understaffed. Read Kathy Miller Perkins’ advice on how to halt the self-defeating behaviors that plague our mental health this time of year. And if your workplace still hasn’t pushed back its reopening date, Stahl has more tips on managing your anxiety. 

Here at Forbes, we’re taking some much needed time off next week, when our team mostly shuts down to give people time to recharge. Our next Careers newsletter will arrive in your inbox on January 4 after a week’s hiatus. In the meantime, here’s hoping you’re able to do the same. 

Cheers,

Jena

P.S. You may notice a few changes to this week’s newsletter. We’re focusing on highlighting all the great careers and leadership content Forbes has to offer, with stories, insights and trends that will help you get ahead, stay smart and keep on top of the best strategies for your career.

Work From Home

Forbes contributors about working remotely—and working smarter

Trying to navigate the new part-time back-to-office normal? Here’s how to be productive—and preserve your sanity—if you’re part of the hybrid workplace.

With the omicron variant, return-to-office plans are doomed to fail. Signs are growing that businesses will have little choice but to drop their demands.

The vast majority of workers haven’t been able to work from home. It’s time to focus on those workers’ needs, too, argues contributor Deborah Lovich.

Develop Your Skils

Forbes contributors on education, growth opportunities and boosting your skills

We’re all distracted all the time. Here’s how to master the art of monotasking—and train yourself to stay focused.

Trying to slow attrition and retain your team’s best people? Why a “stay interview” rather than an “exit interview” may be a practice your team should adopt.

These interview questions might have prevented Urban Meyer’s stunning exit—and are key to preventing new hires from failing.

Learn To Lead

Forbes contributors on managing, leading and mentoring others

Every leader needs to know how to manage risk and develop their courage. Contributor Gautam Mukunda talks with climber Alex Honnold and former General Stan McChyrstal about these essential forces in our careers. 

It’s year-end performance review season. Here’s how to navigate the most difficult conversations they bring.

Workers give their employers a failing grade on mental health. There are many things leaders can do to provide more support.

Book Club

The latest reads on work, leadership and careers

Beginners was released in early 2021, but the paperback version is out today. Journalist Tom Vanderbilt, inspired by his daughter’s curiosity, takes on a yearlong quest of learning—about singing, playing chess and surfing—just for the sake of it. With insights from psychology and other experts on the benefits of adult learning, Beginners may not be a careers book, but it could inspire you to take on a new skill or try out an online course, especially as we near a new year.

Key quote: “It’s a handbook for the clueless, a first-aid kit for the crushed ego, a survival guide for coping with this most painful, most poignant stage: the awkward, self-conscious, exhilarating dawning of the novice. It’s not a 'how to do' book as much as a ‘why to do’ book,” writes Vanderbilt in chapter one. “It’s less about making you better at something than making you feel better as you try to learn.”

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