Top 10 Tips to Boost Employee Wellbeing During Dark Winter Days

In the UK they have officially returned to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), giving everyone an extra hour in bed. However, the shift also brought shorter days and darker evenings which can significantly impact mental health, productivity and overall wellbeing, making it essential to support employees during the colder months.

Here are our top ten tips to help your team stay healthy, engaged, and motivated throughout the winter.

1. Maximise Lighting

Natural light is a powerful mood booster, so place workstations near windows to make the most of available winter daylight. Supplement this with individual task lighting, allowing people to adjust brightness to their needs. This control is especially helpful for neurodiverse employees who may benefit from setting their own light levels.

2. Bring Nature Inside

Adding plants to the workplace can elevate the environment and even improve air quality. Incorporate natural materials and sounds to bring in the calming effects of nature. If space allows, consider a dedicated garden room for relaxation or repurpose an existing area as a flexible, multi-use nature-inspired retreat.

3. Encourage Physical Activity

Physical movement is key to staying energised. Host on-site wellness activities like yoga or meditation, or introduce “walking meetings” to keep smaller discussions active. Placing amenities in areas that encourage movement can also help people stay physically active throughout the day. Consider adding gamified activities like step challenges to engage employees in a fun, healthy way.

4. Emphasise Social Connection

A workplace social hub can help foster connection among team members. Plan regular gatherings, whether it’s coffee catch-ups, lunch-and-learns, or team celebrations. Providing spaces for casual interaction can boost morale and create stronger bonds across teams.

5. Offer Mental Health Support

Supporting mental health is essential year-round, especially during the darker winter months. Consider offering access to counselling, mental health apps, or trained mental health first aiders. A designated quiet room or relaxation area can also give employees a place to decompress and recharge during the day.

6. Promote Flexible Working

Allowing employees to adjust their schedules to maximise daylight exposure can be a game-changer. Flexible hours enable people to start earlier or take a longer midday break for outdoor exercise. Evaluate hybrid work policies to ensure employees can get outside when possible.

7. Manage Workloads and Deadlines

Heavy workloads and tight deadlines can strain employee wellbeing. Where possible, spread out deadlines to avoid burnout. Regularly assess workload demands to ensure they align with team capacity, especially as the shorter days impact routines.

8. Educate Managers and Team Members

Providing training on recognising burnout and mental health challenges equips everyone to better support each other. Empower teams with private spaces for sensitive conversations to maintain a supportive and inclusive workplace.

9. Encourage Time Off

Encourage employees to make use of their full holiday allowances. Many UK workers don’t take all their allocated days, with 65% leaving some unused each year. Taking time away helps employees recharge, especially during the colder months.

10. Celebrate Together

Bring teams together for end-of-year celebrations and achievements, keeping diversity and inclusion top of mind. Collaborative planning can ensure events are fun and welcoming for everyone. Start the new year with team gatherings to foster connection and support, especially around “Blue Monday” in January.

 

The winter months can be challenging, but by putting these workplace strategies in place, companies can create a workplace environment that genuinely supports wellbeing. Research shows that companies with robust support initiatives see up to a 17% boost in engagement, as employees feel more valued and motivated to contribute fully. By offering mental health resources, promoting work-life balance, and fostering an inclusive culture, businesses not only enhance job satisfaction but also build loyalty and resilience within their teams.

Get in touch, and let’s create a space your team will thrive in!