Employee wellbeing in winter: Tackling SAD, stress and seasonal slumps
The winter months can bring lots of difficulties to employees. Around 2 million people suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which can cause low mood, irregular sleep and difficulty concentrating; all of which can affect job performance. Helping alleviate the stresses of SAD or implementing preventative measures will make sure that your employees feel comfortable and ready to tackle the winter.
Stay flexible
Flexible working schedules can be helpful for employees who find the cold weather difficult. Allowing employees to start or finish work later or earlier can help them in case of snow or anxiety about driving in the dark, which some people struggle with. Open a conversation with employees about their schedules, and see if implementing flexible working hours or working from home is a good fit for their role. Flexible working can also help reduce the risk of spreading bugs and illness around the office, and keep your team working in a healthy environment.
Soothe the stress
For the members of your team whose mental health struggles during the winter, offering an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) ensures your team will receive the support they need at the time they need it. An EAP can support not only issues surrounding low mood, but also financial support, as January can be a stressful time following Christmas spending. It can be difficult to ask for help, but encouraging your team to explore the benefits available to them can mean that they can take preventative action and receive vital assistance.
Virtual GP services alongside an EAP create a comprehensive employee health package so that your team can stay fighting fit into the new year. The Virtual GP provides on-demand health support, prescriptions and peace of mind for your employees who are suffering from an illness or symptoms they need checking. Doctors and hospitals deal with high demand during the winter, so offering a Virtual GP service can help your team skip the queues and get the help they require with minimal disruption to their days.
Winter warmers
Alongside these benefits, it’s really important to make sure the working environment is a comfortable place to work, where your employees will want to be. Make sure your employees are warm if they are indoors, or have access to good quality cold weather gear if working outside. Make sure pathways are salted outside the offices, or make sure kettles are working, and there’s plenty of tea and coffee, so your team can stay comfortable and cosy. If it’s snowing, implement a “Buddy” system for employees who drive to pick up their colleagues who walk, so that everyone can get to their job safely. By recognising the challenges winter can bring, your team can create a happier environment for your employees. Investing in your team’s wellbeing during the winter months not only helps them stay healthy and motivated, but also sets the foundation for stronger engagement and productivity as the year moves forward, and can ensure productivity and motivation continue when the weather warms up.
If you want to explore wellbeing packages to help support your people, get in touch and find out more about how we can help.
