Winter Wellness; keeping your team healthy

This blog offers practical tips to help keep your workforce healthy, motivated, and thriving during the colder months. 

The impact of winter on health

A drop in mood is common for many people, especially for employees who work remotely, such as office workers and delivery drivers, or those who face long commutes in the dark. Stress levels can also rise during this time of year due to financial pressures, family and social obligations, increased workload, or end-of-year deadlines. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression linked to the changing seasons, particularly during autumn and winter, and affects about 1 in 15 people in the UK. SAD can lower motivation and creativity, as well as overall morale, and those experiencing it will commonly have difficulty concentrating, lower energy and be irritable.

Offering support to employees during this time of year is vital, and employers have many tools to help their workforce thrive. Here are our top tips for keeping your team healthy this winter.

Ensuring your team has a clean and warm workspace can be a simple way to support everyone. For those working in an office or in a warehouse, providing hand sanitiser and a regular cleaning schedule can go a long way to supporting their physical health, minimising susceptibility to illness, which will result in increased absenteeism and presenteeism (working while unwell). 

For those working remotely, on the road, or in a hospitality/retail position, checking in with these team members regularly to ensure they are managing and offering any support towards making their workspace more comfortable will also have a positive impact on morale and making sure your team feel seen. 

Encouraging a culture of wellness can come in many forms, from providing treats to keep spirits up, to offering mental health resources that employees can easily access. 

Events such as team-building activities and social get-togethers can be a great way to help your team with work-life balance, and can also give you an opportunity to recognise and reward employees’ hard work. 

Being known for having a company culture of wellness is a great step towards promoting a positive brand. By fostering a culture where wellness isn’t just a seasonal focus but a year-round priority and promoting wellness as a core value strengthens employee satisfaction, ultimately maintaining a productive and engaged workforce. 

Learn more about how to promote a healthier working environment. 

Recognising the signs of seasonal mental health challenges and understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder is the first step. We suggest educating both managers and employees on the symptoms of SAD and normalise conversations around mental health during winter. 

Mental health resources, Employee Assistance Programs, and wellness apps are a great investment towards supporting mental health at your business. Readily available access to this type of support can be a year round opportunity and is proven to increase overall employee satisfaction. 

With end-of-year deadlines approaching and while in the throes of the busy period, many employees can start to feel the pressure. In many sectors, such as retail, hospitality and the driving sector, increased demand at this time of year can often mean extended hours, unpredictable schedules and limited opportunity for time off. 

Nearly 40% of employees in retail have reported significant work-related stress during the holidays, while drivers report feeling greater fatigue and challenges with work-life balance due to longer hours. 

Encourage employees to take time off when available, as well as short breaks throughout the work day to recharge. For those in hospitality, ensure workers have a suitable space to rest and relax during a shift so they can take their break uninterrupted and away from the noise and commotion. 

Supporting someone can be as simple as talking to them. For some the holidays can be an emotional and stressful time, with pressures coming from all angles, and not having anyone to talk through the issues can be isolating. 

A study by The Workforce Institute at UKG, found that managers influence employee’s mental health by 69%, as significantly as personal relationships. Make sure that your team knows you are available and open to listening to anyone who may need it, and encourage everyone to reach out to each other if they think that someone may be struggling. 

The winter months present unique challenges for employee well-being, but by taking proactive steps, employers can foster a healthier, more inclusive workplace for everyone. Supporting mental health, promoting wellness, and addressing the specific needs of employees during this season can significantly reduce stress and boost morale.

By implementing these strategies, you’re not just supporting your team through the winter months - you’re creating a foundation for year-round well-being and an environment where everyone can thrive.