With the third Monday in January of every year commonly referred to as “Blue Monday” and believed to be the most depressing day of the year (although not scientifically proven!) it gives businesses and HR experts the opportunity and reason to think about the impact that the come down from the festive period, the shock of the credit card bill, the shorter darker days and colder weather has on employees and their mental well being. All of these factors ultimately have the potential to significantly impact attendance, productivity, and performance of employees in the workplace. In this blog, we address the key actions you can take to minimise the effects and support your employees during the cold and difficult winter months.
Open Communication is Key
Whenever we talk about mental health in the workplace, our first piece of advice is always consistent communication, as a vital tool in maintaining positive mental health in the workplace. Encourage an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing concerns, whether through formal meetings or informal chats. This open-door policy can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety. For remote workers, the isolation can be more pronounced, making regular check-ins even more critical. Remember, the workplace is more than just a place of work; it's a social environment where people share and connect.
Focus on Prevention Rather Than Cure
It's essential to address health and well-being proactively. Instead of merely reacting to health issues, consider how you can help your workers reduce the risk of common illnesses and conditions. Long-term strategies, such as organizing annual wellness visits for screenings and vaccinations, providing healthy snacks in the office to help boost vitamin consumption or short lunchtime exercise groups like stretching can be much more effective than short-term fixes for both mental and physical health. Prevention is key to building a healthier, happier workforce.
Engage via Education
Beyond providing opportunities for better nutrition and exercise, lasting change requires deeper engagement. Educate your staff about the benefits of these wellness initiatives. Understanding the impact on their personal health, the team, and the business’s potential is crucial. Informative sessions on topics like BMI and making healthier choices can empower your staff to take active steps toward their well-being.
Recognize It’s a Whole-Business Issue
Employee well-being isn’t just an HR concern; it's a business-wide responsibility. From business owners to new recruits, everyone should be involved in wellness initiatives. It requires collaboration across various departments, including marketing for effective communication and finance for budget management. Viewing well-being as a part of the overall business strategy is essential for success.
Flexibility is Essential
The winter season is labelled the cold and flu season and now includes Covid-19 and its mutated versions that are affecting people in different ways with many differing symptoms. For staff commuting on public transport, reassess their comfort and safety levels. Where possible, offering flexible work hours or remote working options can alleviate their concerns and demonstrate your commitment to their well-being. It also demonstrates to colleagues that you care by trying to stop the spread of infections.
Encourage Sunlight Exposure
The lack of daylight during winter months, a key factor in Seasonal Affective Disorder (known as SAD), can be mitigated by encouraging outdoor breaks. Urge your team to take walks during daylight to enjoy the sunlight and get a mental break from work.
Find New Ways to Celebrate
Acknowledging the team's hard work throughout the year is vital, not just during the festive season. Consider ways to show your appreciation for their hard work such as buying in lunch for everyone, going for a quick drink after work or hosting an online social gathering with deliveries for employees to enjoy whilst online.
Self-Care for Leaders
Finally, it's important for you as a leader to also prioritise your mental health. The stress of managing a team, especially during uncertain times, can be overwhelming. Ensure you have support systems in place for yourself too, whether it's your HR Expert, Non-Executive Director, an executive coach, professional network, or mental health resources. And of course, if you haven’t got any of this in place already, be sure to give the Dakota Blue Team a call who will be very happy to see how we can support you and your team.