For many of us the workplaces during the holidays can be a stressful place. People tend to feel the pressure of family or budget issues and
this causes a negative 
environment. Others feel that they cannot move projects forward because so many folks are out of the office during this time. One way to stay positive and to create a brighter workplace environment is to find ways to connect.
Connection is deeply personal. To connect, we assign meaning and we all assign meaning to the things we do every day. But what is meaningful for you is not meaningful for others. Finding ways to connect helps us create meaning out of our work. Associate Professor of Psychology at Colorado State University, Michael Steger, suggests that meaning is two things: Purpose, or the Need to Do, and Significance, or the Need to Make Sense. In other words, we are hardwired to “do” things, to keep moving and our brains are always trying to make sense of the world.
With that in mind, discovering how you make connection may be easier if you “do” things that are significant. It requires a bit of experimentation on your part, and here are five simple suggestions to inspire you to find connection at work for a more enjoyable holiday season.
- Help someone that you would not ordinarily work with. Whether it’s holding the door open or assisting with a spreadsheet, offer a hand.
- Ask a person you’ve always admired, or found them a pleasure to work with, for lunch or coffee. Learn more about them. Be interested in them.
- Take care of yourself. For the month of December, commit to taking at least three lunch breaks per week, and during that lunch time, take a walk, read a novel, find a quiet space to listen to music. Do something enjoyable.
- At close of business, write down all of your successes for the day. Even if it’s only one. Write it down.
- Food is marvelous connector. Surprise a department that you don’t work with often with pastries.
Perhaps, you have discovered other ways to connect at work. Please comment and tell me your tips for staying positive at work during the holidays.