5 ways to build a resilient team during the ber months

In fact, a 2024 Well-Being Survey by MindNation found that stress among Filipino workers rose from 57 percent in 2022 to 72 percent in 2024. However, the busiest time of the year does not necessarily have to translate to burnout. With the right mindset and preparation, pressure can turn into purpose. The key is to focus on what matters most: your people. When morale is strong, your team can do more than just survive the rush— they can thrive.

Here are five simple but powerful ways to build a ber-months-proof resilient team. 

Build trust

Why it matters: Trust is the foundation of every strong team. When people feel trusted, they become more confident in making decisions and sharing ideas.  

How to apply it: Focus on outcomes, not hours. Set clear goals and deadlines, then let your team decide how to reach them. When you show that you trust their judgment, they take greater ownership and deliver better results. 

Communicate openly

Why it matters: When someone is left out of the loop, it causes confusion and lowers morale. Transparency helps everyone stay engaged, motivated, and working towards common goals.

How to apply it: Create shared spaces for updates, such as weekly sync ups or work group chats. Keep huddles short and focused on wins and roadblocks. Clear and direct communication is key. 

Stay flexible

Why it matters: Flexibility helps employees manage both their work and personal commitments over the holidays, reducing stress and improving focus.

A 2025 report by JobStreet found that 67% of Filipino workers value stability and work-life balance, with many choosing to stay longer in companies that offer flexible work options.

How to apply it: Offer realistic flextime where possible. Even small gestures, like early time-offs after completion of rigorous projects, can show employees that you value their well-being. 

Encourage meaningful breaks

Why it matters: Rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Without proper breaks, people lose focus and motivation. Giving your people time to pause helps them reset and boosts performance.

How to apply it: Encourage short breaks throughout the day and empower managers to lead by example. You can also introduce “Power Hour,” or a set time when everyone steps away from their desks to recharge. 

Recognize and reward regularly

Why it matters: Recognition is a simple but powerful morale booster. During peak seasons like the ber months, hard work can easily go unnoticed. When employees feel appreciated, they become even more motivated to do their best.

How to apply it: Go beyond words of affirmation. Give timely rewards that show genuine appreciation. A thoughtful gift that lets employees choose what they need most like a dinner out, a spa treat, or groceries can make a big difference. 

• For morale boosts during the ber months: Give digital gift vouchers that allow your people the freedom to choose what brings them joy with Pluxee Gifts.  You can also explore our exclusive Christmas corporate offers here.

• For long-term motivation: Cultivate a culture of appreciation with a tool that allows shoutouts for achievements and milestones, badges for great work, and a point-based rewards system, among others. Check out our Rewards and Recognition platform that has all these and more.  

• For holistic well-being: Prioritizing employee wellbeing boosts focus, motivation, and engagement while reducing absenteeism and turnover. Do this with our holistic health-focused Vantage Fit, a wellness tool that makes wellness exciting through campaigns, personal challenges, and lifestyle improvement programs.

Christmas is the best time to strengthen team dynamics

With trust, open communication, flexibility, meaningful breaks, and frequent rewards and recognition, your team can turn the holiday rush into a season of growth, motivation, and joy. Make this time your most productive and joyful ber months yet.

Want to know more about our solutions to help you build a more resilient team? Book a free consultation here.