How are you helping your employees manage Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
As the days grow shorter, darker, and colder, and the weather takes a turn, many employees begin to feel a noticeable shift in their overall mood and energy – some refer to it as the winter blues.
However, Seasonal Affective Disorder is more than just a case of the winter blues. It’s a form of depression that can significantly affect and impact mental health, productivity, and overall workplace wellbeing.
Whilst it may be easy to overlook these changes and effects on your employees, businesses that take steps to support their employees experiencing SAD not only foster a more compassionate work environment and culture, but will benefit from a healthier and more engaged team.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that typically occurs during late autumn/winter. During this time of year there’s a lack of sunlight, with the weather typically being cloudy, damp and cold. It can leave employees feeling low and under the weather, affecting their mood, emotions and general mental health.
Common symptoms of SAD include:
- Persistent low mood or recurring feelings of sadness
- Fatigue/low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Decreased motivation
- Increased irritability or stress
For employees specifically, these symptoms can lead to reduced productivity, strained working relationships, and even absenteeism.
Why is it important to support your employees experiencing SAD?
There are many reasons why, as an employer, you should be committed to supporting your employees, particularly if they are experiencing SAD. Here are some of the main reasons:
- It affects overall employee productivity and performance
- Workplace morale is at stake – it doesn’t just affect the individual, it can have ripple effects throughout the team.
- As an employer, employee wellbeing should be one of your priorities
How can you help your employees?
Here are some practical ways in which you can support your employees that are experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.
1. Provide Education and Awareness
Start by educating employees about SAD, and ensure they have access to mental health resources. Our mental health platform, Gallantium, can help employees stay present, reduce anxiety, and manage their feelings more effectively. We provide a platform with content offering information, education and support on a range of issues.
2. Maximise Natural Light
Natural sunlight can help to regulate mood and energy levels. Encourage your employees to work in spaces that have access to natural light. Consider rearranging workspaces, or opening blinds to let in more sunlight, and suggest to remote employees to work near windows.
3. Promote Flexible Hours
If possible, allow your employees to adjust their working hours to align with daylight hours. This flexibility can enable them to take advantage of sunlight during breaks/commuting, improving their mood and increasing energy levels.
Addressing Seasonal Affective Disorder in the workplace is the right thing to do for your employees, but also for your business in the long run.
By recognising the symptoms of SAD and taking the steps to support employees, you’ll create a more supportive environment in which everyone can thrive.
