Flex Office Industry – We Need to Talk About December 

December in Flex, as in many industries, comes with its own unique blend of excitement, expectation and exhaustion. The pace ramps up, deadlines loom, and the pressure to end the year strong can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed behind the scenes. 

To open up an honest conversation about the realities of the season, Lisa Quait (Founder of The Real Woman Coach) hosted a LinkedIn Live session with Women in Flex an iniative founded by technologywithin. Joined by Mary Nolan (Director of Marketing at technologywithin) and Helena Hughes (Director at workthere / Savills) What unfolded was a powerful, relatable discussion about boundaries, burnout, and redefining what Christmas should feel like. 

“Everyone’s talking privately about how heavy December feels.” – Lisa Quait 

Lisa opened the session with a truth many recognise: December isn’t always the joyful wind-down we expect. With invites, year-end targets, family obligations and workplace pressures all converging at once, the festive season can often feel more chaotic than calm. 

Having spent over 25 years working in the flex industry, she understands the unique cocktail of pressures the sector faces at this time of year, and why creating spaces for honest conversation is so important. 

Misconception: December is a quiet month 

Mary quickly dispelled the myth that everything slows down. 

“There’s a misconception that December’s quiet, but for marketing, it’s one of the busiest months. We’re planning for next year, closing out budgets, organising events, sending client gifts… all while trying to end the year strong.” 

The fatigue is real. And for many people, the seemingly endless task list rarely reflects the reduced energy levels that come with a long year. 

Helena echoed this sentiment, describing the month as a swan gliding gracefully above water while paddling furiously underneath. 

“Deadlines feel more pressing this time of year. We’re trying to close projects, finish client work, and at the same time juggle family and everything else December throws at us.” 

Learning the art of saying no (with less guilt) 

A major theme of the discussion was boundaries, how to set them, how to honour them, and how to let go of the guilt that so often comes with saying no. 

Mary shared a turning point: 

“I used to say yes to everything. A few years ago, I went to every social, every party, and by Christmas, I was burnt out and ill. Saying yes to everything is saying no to yourself.” 

Helena spoke about “polite no’s”, choosing not to volunteer for tasks that would overload her further, and stepping back from situations where getting involved would only create unnecessary stress. 

Lisa offered a practical tool: creating an “agreement with yourself”.
This involves writing down, physically, on paper, what you will say yes to, what you will say no to, and what you’ll consider. It becomes a flexible boundary map you can revisit whenever you feel overwhelmed or stretched thin. 

Switching off: leaving work at the office door 

All three speakers acknowledged how challenging it can be to properly switch off at Christmas, especially in an industry where deals, emergencies and client needs don’t follow the calendar. 

Mary admitted to rewriting content on Christmas Day one year: 

“My husband said, ‘You’re not a doctor, this can wait.’ And he was right. We put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect.” 

Her advice?
Turn off notifications. Allow yourself real space to reset. The industry will still be there in January. 

Helena emphasised the importance of being clear about holiday dates and handovers so that time off can truly be time off. 

Recognising overwhelm before it takes hold

When asked what overwhelm looks like, both Mary and Helena offered signs many of us would recognise: 

• A sense that your calendar is unmanageable 

• struggling to sleep 

• Mental “noise” that feels constant 

Lisa shared a simple but effective tool: a handwritten brain dump.

Writing down everything swirling around your mind can help relieve pressure, improve sleep, and help you regain perspective. 

For those spending Christmas alone 

Lisa reminded viewers that connection is available in many forms, and often, simply telling people you’re alone opens doors. There are always spare seats at someone’s table, and local charities often host community meals and events. 

Helena added that in years to come, she and her husband hope to volunteer on Christmas Day, serving meals to those who want company. 

The message was clear: No one should feel isolated at Christmas—support exists, and asking is an act of courage, not burden.

The takeaway?
Christmas doesn’t have to look one way. You get to design the version that nourishes you. 

What can we let go of today? 

As the session wrapped up, Lisa invited everyone to reflect on one thing they could release right now, whether that’s: 

• Others’ expectations 

• The need to say yes 

• Guilt for wanting space 

• The pressure to make everything perfect 

And one small intention for staying present, whether it’s taking a deep breath before entering a busy room, going for a walk when noise becomes too much, or carving out a moment of quiet just for yourself. 

As Women in Flex continues to champion connection, wellbeing and real conversations, this session serves as a reminder that we’re all navigating December together. 

Wishing everyone in the flex community a peaceful and present Christmas, whatever shape that takes for you.