Blue Monday – deemed the most depressing day of the year – is here again (Monday 15th January). January can be a tough month and it’s perhaps unsurprising that it’s the peak time for absences and stress in the workplace, leading to low staff morale and productivity. For employers, understanding and addressing the January blues is crucial to maintaining a positive work environment, sustaining productivity and reducing absenteeism.
There are lots of things employers can do to make Blue Monday much less blue. To support them, experts at WorkNest, the employment law and HR consultancy firm have put together a series of top tips for employers to help their staff get through Blue Monday and the month of January.
1. Engage employees
Communicate plans for the organisation for the year ahead and empower employees to feel an integral part of these. Take a personalised approach by taking time to discuss individual plans with employees, including some short-term goals, which will motivate them in the immediate term and help get their 2024 off to a flying start.
2. Celebrate previous successes
Taking a look back at the achievements of the previous year can be a powerful tool in motivating employees and boosting morale throughout January. Recognising the successes can reinforce a sense of purpose and continuity, strengthens team bonds and sets benchmarks for the coming year. This act of reflection can set the tone for the year ahead and inspire employees to aim for the same in 2024.
3. Practice sensitivity
Use this time of year to check in with your employees. Some people may have more deep-rooted problems than just feeling a little fed-up because it’s January. It’s important to keep alert to the signs that someone is suffering, encourage them to talk, and signpost them to mental health first aiders or external support and counselling services.
4. Lead by example
It is inevitable that some managers, HR professionals, or organisation leaders can suffer from the January blues themselves, which can make it especially challenging when encouraging their employees to remain upbeat. But if they can endeavour to set a positive tone in the workplace, it can in turn help them to feel more positive too.
5. It’s the small things
January is an ideal time to introduce some little changes that can have an uplifting impact on the work environment. Invite employees to make suggestions – these don’t need to be costly – it could be laying on some healthy snacks in the staff room or offering a care package to remote workers.
6. Encourage healthy habits
Use Blue Monday as a prompt to focus on wider employee wellbeing. Support staff with their wellness and exercise goals – for example, ensuring they take regular breaks away from their desks and encouraging employees to get out into the fresh air at lunchtime.
7. Plan that holiday
Employers should ensure that holiday calendars are up and running and employees are clear about their entitlements for the year ahead. It’s a good time to remind employees about holiday request procedures as well as absence policies to minimise unauthorised time off.
