As winter’s embrace draws near, HR professionals have a unique role in ensuring that employees’ well-being remains a top priority. Just as the changing seasons require adjustments in attire, the colder months necessitate adapting our well-being strategies to combat potential challenges.
Research shows that winter can impact mental and physical health, which can indirectly affect workplace productivity and morale. HR professionals can play a vital role in promoting well-being during the winter season and fostering a healthier and more productive work environment.
Recognise the Seasonal Impact on Mental Health:
Understanding the seasonal effect on mental health, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is essential. According to the Mental Health Foundation, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects around 3% of the UK population[i]. The occurrence of SAD is more common in areas with reduced sunlight and colder climate conditions during the winter months.
HR teams can create awareness campaigns that educate employees about the potential impact of reduced sunlight and colder weather on mood and mental well-being. Sharing resources on identifying symptoms and offering solutions such as light therapy can be beneficial.
Promote Flexibility and Work-life Balance:
The winter months often bring challenges such as weather-related disruptions and holiday commitments. HR professionals can encourage managers to be flexible with remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks. Prioritising work-life balance can help employees manage personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
Organise Indoor Wellness Activities:
Lack of outdoor activity can impact physical health during winter. A study conducted by Sport England revealed that during the winter months, the number of adults in the UK engaging in regular outdoor physical activity decreases by around 7.5%[ii].
HR can organise indoor wellness activities such as yoga or meditation sessions, providing employees with opportunities to stay active and alleviate stress within the workplace.
Encourage Open Dialogue:
Creating a culture of open dialogue around well-being can make a significant difference. Businesses can facilitate support groups or workshops where employees can share their strategies for managing well-being during the winter. Such forums normalise discussions around mental health and offer valuable insights.
Provide Resources for Stress Management:
Winter can bring additional stress, including holiday-related pressures. HR can utilise effective HR software to take the pressure off employees booking time off or not knowing whether they can get needed time off. Businesses can also compile resources on stress management techniques, time management, and coping strategies. Sharing these resources through newsletters or the company intranet can empower employees to navigate stressful situations effectively.
Enhance the Office Environment:
Simple changes to the office environment can positively impact well-being. A survey conducted by the British Council for Offices (BCO) found that 90% of office workers in the UK believe that a well-designed office environment positively impacts their well-being and job satisfaction[iii].
Businesses can collaborate with facilities management to ensure that workspaces have sufficient natural light, comfortable temperatures, and adequate indoor plants. These elements can contribute to a more pleasant and productive workspace.
Support Employee Recognition and Rewards:
Acknowledging employees’ efforts can boost morale during winter. A survey conducted by One4all Rewards found that 84% of UK employees believe that being recognised for their efforts increases their motivation at work[iv].
Businesses can introduce recognition programs that celebrate accomplishments and contributions. Recognising employees’ hard work can enhance their sense of belonging and well-being.
Offer Mental Health Resources:
Businesses can collaborate with mental health professionals to provide workshops, webinars, or access to counseling services. Offering resources that address winter-related mental health challenges can demonstrate the company’s commitment to employee well-being.
In the midst of winter, utilising HR software like Activ People HR to meticulously track absences and holidays becomes even more crucial. By recognising the potential impact of the season on mental and physical health and implementing strategies that prioritise flexibility, open dialogue, and resources, HR teams can create a workplace where employees thrive. As we enter the colder months, let’s ensure that well-being remains at the forefront of HR initiatives, fostering a resilient and motivated workforce.
[i] Mental Health Foundation. (n.d.). Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad
[ii] Sport England. (2019). Active Lives Adult Survey November 2018/19 Report. Retrieved from https://www.sportengland.org/media/15288/active-lives-adult-nov-18-19-report.pdf
[iii] British Council for Offices (BCO). (2019). The Wellness Matters: Health and Wellbeing in Offices and What to Do About It. Retrieved from https://www.bco.org.uk/Research/Publications/WellnessMatters.aspx
[iv] One4all Rewards. (2019). The £4 Billion Workplace Thank You. Retrieved from https://www.one4allrewards.co.uk/the-4-billion-workplace-thank-you.html
The post <strong>Nurturing Well-being in the Winter: A Guide for HR Professionals</strong> appeared first on HR News.