January can be a tough month for employees, with shorter days, colder weather, and the post-holiday slump often leading to lower motivation and wellbeing. This is especially noticeable on Blue Monday, typically considered the most depressing day of the year. For employers, this can lead to increased absenteeism and reduced productivity. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s how you can help turn Blue Monday into a Bright Monday and support your employees throughout the winter.
Encourage small, achievable wellbeing goals
During the winter months, long-term goals can feel overwhelming. Encourage your team to focus on small, achievable wellbeing goals, like taking a short walk at lunch or scheduling regular breaks. While these may seem like breaks in productivity, they help employees recharge, leading to higher motivation and energy.
Encouraging employees to look after their wellbeing is equally crucial during absences from work. The GoodShape App supports employees during this time with tailored care plans, helping them recover and return to work safely and efficiently.
Arrange regular check-ins with managers
Regular check-ins with managers help employees feel heard and supported. These conversations offer a chance to discuss workloads, set realistic goals, and identify where extra help might be needed. Open communication boosts morale, reduces isolation, and ensures employees stay on track even during challenging months.
Provide accessible mental health support
Stress and anxiety often worsen in winter, making it vital to offer mental health support. Make sure employees know about available services and encourage them to reach out if needed.
The GoodShape App provides a wellbeing service directory with freely accessible mental and physical health resources. For more personalised support, the GoodShapeHealth service connects employees with registered nurses to manage mental health concerns. Additionally, the app offers access to workbooks and videos from experts at Plumm, helping employees take their mental health into their own hands to manage stress and build resilience.
Foster team connection and engagement
Winter isolation can lead to lower morale and engagement. Create opportunities for employees to connect, like virtual social breaks, team challenges, or regular wellbeing check-ins. These small initiatives can make a big difference in boosting workplace connection.
By building a supportive team environment, you strengthen morale and resilience, making it easier to maintain productivity and engagement during the colder months.
Proactively manage employee absence
Winter often brings an increase in absenteeism, especially due to stress and seasonal illness. To manage this, ensure you track absence patterns to identify trends early and provide timely interventions.
GoodShape’s absence management solution helps you monitor absenteeism via GoodShapeCentral with real-time dashboards and customisable reports on absence rates, reasons, and manager compliance. This allows you to spot patterns, address issues early, and keep your workforce engaged and productive.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your employees manage the winter blues and stay healthy, engaged, and productive all year long.
Interested in learning how our absence management solution can support your team? Book a demo with us today.
