Winter has a negative effect on employee mental wellbeing

Winter has a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing with people believing it adversely affects their mood and productivity.

People can suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – a type of depression that becomes more severe in the winter –  and can sometimes experience stress in the workplace.

There are some ways though that businesses can make a difference. The office or working environment can play a vital role in helping to tackle the winter blues with office-based factors such as exposure to natural light, quiet and private areas and social and collaborative workspaces.

Workplace’s have a positive effect on employees mental health, but there is more businesses can do. Reviewing the office environment and engaging with staff is an important first step for employers seeking to boost the wellbeing of their workforce.

Thousands of office workers are struggling with their mental health, motivation and productivity this winter, but there are steps businesses can take to try prevent the winter blues developing in the first place. The first step is for businesses to engage with their staff via change management and getting them more involved in decisions about their workplace environment. By doing this it will boost motivation, mood and productivity.

A supportive work culture and the right office environment will support mental health and boost wellbeing, meaning all businesses, regardless of size can look to make small changes that will have a big impact this winter.