Supporting your team during the winter months: A guide for employers
Entering darker more dreary months can lead to a lull in energy, maybe even a lack in motivation. During this time of year, employers have a duty to offer as much support as possible to protect their team's mental resilience and ensure they start the new year rested!
Winter Wellbeing
Wellbeing comes in different shapes and sizes for your team so showing them flexibility is important. The question is, how can you do this while remaining productive and on target?
Formalise check-ins to gauge workloads and proactively address signs of stress before they become bigger issues.
In the winter months, it's common that commuters leave the house before sunrise and get home after sunset. Allow your team the opportunity to get some natural daylight and fresh air in the middle of the day.
Quick Fixes for the Winter Slump
Beyond flexibility, these simple tips can be easily implemented to support your team's energy and morale:
Internal Wellness Challenges: Organise a simple, internal “Step Challenge” or a "Desk Yoga" session (even a 5-minute guided stretch!)
Vitamin D: Provide information about the benefits of Vitamin D supplementation during the winter months.
Healthy Fuel: Stock the communal kitchen with light, nutrient-dense snacks and warm herbal teas to help sustain energy levels.
Acknowledge the Successes
Coming to the end of one year and the start of the next often means added pressure to meet deadlines and to prepare for the quarter ahead. It’s important that this effort is recognised and appreciated. Help your coworkers or team members feel valued by publicly celebrating milestones, big or small.
Holiday season for the office
Christmas will come with holiday parties, family commitments and an overall stressful time to balance work and play.
If the business is slow, make use of low-pressure high impact tasks such as;
Q1 Planning and Strategy: Use the quieter days to set up projects, define OKRs, and build momentum for the new year.
Process Improvement: Dedicate time to internal audits, documentation, and skill-refreshers that are often neglected during busy periods.
By offering proactive flexibility, championing mental wellbeing, and keeping morale high, you help your team stay focused, motivated and supported.
The success of your winter wellbeing strategy can be reflected in key workplace indicators such as employee attendance, engagement in wellbeing activities and overall sentiment scores. Supporting your team’s health through the colder months is an investment that helps sustain focus and productivity into Q1
For more insights on leadership, wellness, and managing remote and hybrid teams, follow us on LinkedIn.
You can also explore our full range of flexible office services here.