Supporting Employee Wellbeing Through Winter: Practical Steps for a Happier, Healthier Team

As November deepens and temperatures continue to drop, many of us find our thoughts drifting towards winter festivities.

Before the season’s social events, decorations, and inevitable winter bugs begin, now is the perfect time to consider how organisations can nurture employee wellbeing over the winter months.

Winter often brings additional challenges, including darker evenings, harsh weather, and busy schedules, all of which can affect employees’ productivity and morale.

In fact, studies show that up to two-thirds of employees feel less productive over the winter months. When planning wellbeing initiatives, it’s essential to consider the unique needs of remote, hybrid, and in-office teams, as a one-size-fits-all approach may fall short of providing effective support.

1. Encourage Flexibility

Empowering managers to build flexibility into their teams’ routines can be key to reducing stress and maintaining motivation through winter. Different forms of flexibility can suit different individuals, so here are a few adaptable ideas:

• Flexible Start and Finish Times: Allow employees who commute on foot or by bike to adjust their hours so they can travel during daylight

  
  

• Work-from-Anywhere (WFA) Schemes: Permit employees to work remotely from a different location during the festive period, supporting those who want to spend time with family or friends while staying productive

  
  

• Flexible Bank Holidays: Let employees take festive bank holidays at times that suit them. This is especially considerate for those who don’t celebrate Christmas, allowing them to use the time off for other purposes

  
  

2. Promote Physical Wellness

While curling up at home can feel like the ideal option during winter, staying active is essential for both physical and mental health. Darker evenings and colder weather often impact motivation to exercise, so here are some ideas to encourage movement:

• On-site Exercise Classes: If your office has the space, consider organising lunchtime exercise classes. Gentle activities like yoga are accessible and can help employees relax, break up their day, and refresh their energy

  
  

• Walking 1-2-1s: For remote and in-office workers alike, ‘walking meetings’ are a great way to catch up while getting fresh air. Moving while you talk, either over the phone or in person, can reduce stress and lift mood

  
  

3. Keep the Conversation Going

In the UK, over half of employees report that winter negatively affects their mental health. Open communication is crucial to support those who may be struggling, and there are several ways to create opportunities for these important conversations:

• Share Resources on Winter-Specific Challenges: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other winter-related mental health concerns are increasingly common. Share resources via an internal newsletter or offer information sessions to spread awareness and provide helpful tips
  

• Include Wellbeing Check-ins in 1-2-1s: During regular 1-2-1 meetings, allocate time to discuss how employees are managing the challenges of winter. Acknowledging this proactively can demonstrate a commitment to employee wellbeing
  

• Celebrate Achievements: Recognising employees' hard work over winter can give them a much-needed morale boost. End-of-year or quarterly roundups of team and individual successes can remind employees of their accomplishments and provide a sense of pride
  

The Benefits of Supporting Employee Wellbeing in Winter

Implementing winter wellbeing measures doesn’t need to be costly. Small, practical steps like flexibility, regular movement, and open communication can significantly benefit employees’ mental health, motivation, and overall morale.

Investing in winter wellbeing initiatives demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive workplace culture, which can ultimately lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction.

By adopting these strategies, organisations can support their employees through the winter season, creating a work environment where everyone feels valued, understood, and motivated to perform at their best.

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