Winter is right around the corner, so what can you do to support your employees throughout winter when the days are shorter and temperatures colder? Unfortunately, shorter days and cooler weather can negatively impact your team’s wellbeing, with many experiencing lower moods and decreased energy levels.
As an employer, what can you do to support your employees throughout winter?
Encourage your team to make the most of the daylight
The lack of daylight hours in the winter can affect your mood, so try to make the most of them and get outside when you can. Even on a cloudy day, getting outside will help your body to get the light it’s craving. You can also make the most of sunlight in the working environment by opening blinds and sitting by a window.
For some employees a SAD (Seasonal affected Disorder) lamp can also help. These types of plug-in lights mimic the sun and boost levels of serotonin within the brain.
Support our team’s mental wellbeing
Why not encourage your team to wrap up warm and get outside for a lunchtime walk to help boost their mood. While exercise might not seem so appealing when it’s cold outside, it can actually have a huge impact on our mental health. Regular exercise increases levels of endorphins (the “happy hormone”), which increases positive feelings.
It’s also important to let your team know that as their manager, you’re available to speak to for help and advice. If a team member is struggling with their mental health this winter, make them aware of any support available. This might be an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) or access to other health services. Alternatively, the Acorn team can help as Mental Health First aiders.
Encourage a work-life balance
A healthy work-life balance can have a positive impact on employee wellbeing. Encouraging your team to find a work-life balance that allows them to switch off after work and relax can help to beat the winter blues is another way you can support your employees throughout winter.
Think about your employee’s physical health – COVID
Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd does of the COVID-19 Vaccine. People aged 16 and over, and some children aged 12 to 15, can also get a booster dose.
Some people, including those aged 50 years or over, those at higher risk or who are pregnant, and frontline health and social care workers, will be offered a seasonal booster (Autumn Booster). Your employees should be offered an appointment between September and December, with those at highest risk being called in first. Their booster should be administered at least 3 months after your last dose of vaccine.
If their GP surgery aren’t offering flu jabs your employees may be entitled to get one at a local pharmacy, check out https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/pharmacy-nhs-flu-vaccine-service/ for more info.
Government advice and guidance to keep yourself and others safe over the Winter.
- Get vaccinated
- Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
- Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
- Remember the basics of good hygiene:
- Wash your hands
- Cover your coughs and sneezes
- Clean your surroundings frequently
If you or your employees have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as COVID-19 you’re advised to try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. For more tips and advice including how to support employees who have long Covid, contact the Acorn team on 01384 939495
Consider home working and hybrid policies
If you are looking to adopt a flexible approach, it can be a really good idea to ensure you have a policy for working from home or hybrid working. This can help you consider requests and explain the process to your employees.
You might be thinking what should the policy include?
At Acorn, we can help you develop a policy, that outlines: –
- How things will work
- Sets flexible limits
- Allows managers and employees to discuss and agree specific arrangements.
- Ensures you treat staff fairly at home and hybrid working.
Promote healthy eating
The power of healthy eating can give you an energy boost and help you think more clearly. If your workplace has a canteen, be sure to offer healthy lunch options and snacks like fruit, nuts and seeds which can boost concentration as well as warding off illnesses.
Temperature control
Ensure offices are not too cold. The HSE suggest the minimum temperature in a workplace should be at least 16 degrees Celsius. If work involves rigorous physical effort the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.
Vitamins
So many people swear by taking vitamin C to keep you healthy and happy during the cold and flu season. Although taking vitamin C won’t stop you getting a cold or flu, it can certainly reduce the severity of the illness.
Another to try during the winter is vitamin D (the “sunshine Vitamin”). Your body produces vitamin D when your skin is exposed to sunlight, which can be a problem during the winter months when days are shorter. Taking vitamin D can support healthy bones, and can help fight the winter blues.
Share positive feedback
Sharing positive feedback is a great way to help boost self-esteem and motivation. Why not take time to reflect upon the past years achievements and set goals for the future. This will help employee’s engagement and motivation over the winter months.
If you are interested in discussing how to support your employees throughout winter, please call either Jo, Ruth or Claire at 01384 939495 for more information.
