Beat the Workplace Blues

Spring is here and many of us across the country are starting to see the much-needed signs of summer. I’m writing this blog whilst basking in the sun, in Taranaki, and although the Taranaki Maunga is covered in snow, my spring bulbs are starting to pop through – bring on summer I say.

I appreciate many of you, and your team likely feel like me, and cannot wait to enjoy an aperol spritz in the summer sun. For some of your team, winter would have been a real struggle, it brings out the blues – it’s a real thing called SAD, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder.

SAD is a form of depression that’s related to the change of season from summer to winter, which affects people through the winter months. To learn more about SAD, I recommend you read here.

So how do you help your team beat the winter blues aka SAD?

•   Encourage your team to get outside:

  • SAD is linked to a decrease in natural light so heading outdoors and enjoying the sunshine, can make a huge difference to your teams’ mood.

  • Suggest walking or outdoor meetings, mid-morning or afternoon strolls, or simply popping outside to grab a coffee.

    If your team cannot get outside during their day, then increase natural light in your office where possible.

• Offer healthy options in the workplace:  

  • Although we are guilty of enjoying a fair too many doughnuts, and burger- fuel shouts, it’s important that you also offer up and promote healthy options.

  • Suggest organising a weekly fruit box, herbal tea selections, kombucha over alcohol.

  • You can still have fun and enjoy getting together as a team without the unhealthy food and drinks.

• Offer and promote flexibility:

  • Flexible working hours and leaving the office early can help curb SAD. Enabling your team to finish early to enjoy the sunshine, whether that be a walk down the beach, or a ride at the mountain bike tracks before the sun goes down. Flexible working, and happy healthy staff in turn will only benefit your productivity.

•   Communicate with your team:

  • Talk openly and honestly with your team about SAD, increasing communication around SAD and the winter blues will enable your team to come on board to help champion and encourage your initiatives. It will also mean that those team members impacted by SAD are more likely to come forward and talk to you about how they are feeling.

For more tips on how to improve your workplace culture, and your team’s wellbeing, contact us on 0800 HR FOR U.

A recent snap from my evening beach walks at Fitzroy Beach in New Plymouth

PAIGE HELLIER

ER & Legal Consultant