Blue Monday is of course one of the finest 80s electronic tracks from New Order. Still worth a listen today. According to the mainstream media, the third Monday in January has a blue feeling, due to credit card bills and the long stretch to the last payday weekend still ahead of you. It’s known as Blue Monday, the so-called most depressing day of the year. But are there coping strategies? Yes is the answer, here’s the word;
Bertrand Stern-Gillet, CEO Health Assured says “Blue Monday first became a ‘thing’ in 2004, when a marketing campaign found the combination of cold, wet weather, dark mornings and evenings, post–Christmas financial pressures and failure to keep New Year’s resolutions made this the most depressing day of the year. Many workplaces reported higher rates of absences on this day, with people choosing duvet days over work.
“As a leader it’s important to nurture a positive work environment but also recognise that people do struggle with seasonal pressures and illness. Mental health is now the leading cause of workplace absence, causing loss of productivity, morale and job satisfaction.
“There are, however, steps that can be taken to prevent the blues on Monday. Here are five easy ways to promote happiness within the workplace.
Disconnect
It’s no surprise that there’s an unhealthy connection between mental health and extended screen time. Whilst screen use is unavoidable in our digital age, taking steps to limit the amount of time sitting in front of a screen can help.
Implement a screen time policy with input from your teams. Encourage face-to-face meetings rather than video conferences to give everyone time away from the computer. Make it a rule that everyone steps away from their desk regularly, even just to make a cup of tea or grab some fruit. Discourage work emails out of hours to allow employees to disconnect.
Normalise mental health
Taking the stigma away from mental health encourages open dialogue and makes it easier for people to ask for help. Consider including mental health days, or ‘duvet days’, as part of your sickness absence or annual leave provision so employees know they can take time away when needed. Have mental health first aiders across the business and offer an EAP provision as part of your benefits package and ensure everyone knows how to access it. Promote healthy behaviours across all levels of the organisation.
Promote self-care
Self-care is simply encouraging healthy habits to alleviate stress and burnout. It can be something as simple as ensuring you leave work on time, making lists to prioritise tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed, practicing meditation, or drinking enough water throughout the day. Other ways to practice self-care include making time to do what makes you happy, whether that’s going for a walk, baking a cake, reading a book or doing a yoga class.
Promote self-care, include the benefits via email or on the company portal. Make your communications fun and engaging, so self-care is seen as rewarding and relaxing rather than a chore.
Dress for success
Clothing reflects our identity, so wearing something you feel good about yourself in has been proven to produce dopamine, prompting happiness and comfort. This is called the wearer’s psychology.
While dress codes are often essential at work, smart attire can make some feel stiff and uncomfortable. Implementing dress-down days creates a more relaxed atmosphere giving people the freedom to express themselves through clothing. When people feel like their true authentic selves, it settles nerves and anxiety, promoting happiness.
Get outside
It can be difficult during winter months but even a short time outside in fresh air can make a world of difference to our mood. We saw this more than ever during the recent Covid pandemic, when people turned to nature as a means of escape. Daily walks became a habit that many have maintained post-pandemic. Statistics show that people who are more connected with nature are happier overall.
Encourage employees to get outside during their lunchbreaks, and at other times during the day. Consider walking meetings, where teams take advantage of the fresh air to re-energise, even if it’s just a short lap around the local area.
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