Managing Employees Through the Coldest and Darkest Months

The post-festive blues can impact employees who are already struggling with the shorter days which result in less light, cold and sometimes extreme weather. All these elements can negatively impact our wellbeing, mood and motivation to go about life as usual.

Overall, the UK is experiencing a worrying trend, with a 55% increase in sickness absence rates since 2019*, and January often proves to be a difficult month with financial strain and return to work routines, making it a perfect storm for increased sickness absence.

Top tips for looking after our wellbeing this winter:

1. Keep to a routine
2. Eat well
3. Stay active and keep warm
4. Make the most of natural light
5. Book in time for hobbies, meeting friends and other activities to look forward to
6. Take time for self-care – meditation and relaxation.

So, what can be done to support your staff at this time of year?

1. Regular check-ins
2. Encourage/support healthy eating
3. Investigate whether local gyms offer employer packages to pass on savings to employees
4. Highlight the benefits of spending more time in the office if employees are hybrid workers – energy cost savings, human contact, getting out of the house
5. Walking meetings to make the most of natural light
6. Agree regular breaks from the screen, review workload and ensure return to work meetings are conducted following any sickness
7. Signpost support such as the Wellness Cloud Festive Support infographic filled with useful resources including videos, guides and tips to navigate this time of year.

Many of us are familiar with the negative association called ‘Blue Monday’ which is the third Monday of January, named as the most depressing day of the month. The term was devised by psychologist, Cliff Arnall in 2004 as a marketing tool for Sky Travel to encourage people to book their summer holidays. Arnall devised a formula that factors in the weather, time since Christmas, debt level, low motivation and so on.

Many have since refuted the concept as trivialising depression. In response, The Samaritans have created a positive spin on the term ‘Blue Monday’ by promoting ‘Brew Monday**’ – a chance to connect positively over a cuppa on Monday 20^th January 2025 and raise money for charity in return.

Many struggle at this time of year with the ‘winter blues’ and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The charity Mind have created a useful guide on how to spot the symptoms and tips on how to help Tips for help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the Winter Blues – Manchester Mind.  

Sources:

*People HR sick leave report: how are different industries faring

**Brew Monday – https://www.samaritans.org/support-us/campaign/brew-monday/