SAD Season is Here: How to Keep Your Team Energised When Winter Brings the Blues
By Tim Brownson, a business coach for coaches.
It’s that time of year again—longer nights, shorter days, and a noticeable dip in everyone's mood. While we all love a good cosy night in, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can seriously impact your team’s productivity and well-being. With around 10,000 searches for SAD each month, this seasonal slump is real, and as a founder, it's time to think about how the darker days could affect your workforce—and more importantly, what you can do about it.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with practical ways to keep your team buzzing through the winter months.
What’s Really Going On?
Before you jump into problem-solving mode, it’s essential to understand how SAD is likely playing out across your team:
1. More Sick Days Than You Expected?
SAD can leave even your best people feeling lethargic and mentally drained, making it harder for them to drag themselves into work. Cue: more sick days.
2. Where’s Their Mojo?
Low energy and motivation go hand in hand with SAD, meaning your star performers may be struggling to hit the high notes they usually do. Deadline delays and a general drop in productivity could be around the corner if you’re not careful.
3. Team Spirit Might Be Fading
It’s not just about productivity—morale can take a dive too. Those suffering from SAD may feel disconnected, irritable, or isolated, making team projects and collaboration trickier to manage.
4. Remote Work Woes
Love it or hate it, remote working in the winter can make SAD worse. A lack of natural light while working from home (or worse, in a dimly lit corner) can ramp up feelings of isolation, leaving your team feeling even more cut off.
5. Recruitment Slowdown
SAD doesn’t just affect your current team; it could be sabotaging your recruitment efforts too. Job seekers dealing with the winter blues might be feeling unmotivated to make big career moves, meaning filling key positions could take longer.
How You Can Help Your Team Thrive
So, what can you do as a leader to keep your team energised, happy, and productive during the darker months? Here are some game-changing tips that’ll keep your squad feeling like the powerhouses they are:
1. Let Them Own Their Schedules
Flexibility is key. Let your team adjust their working hours to make the most of the daylight. Got a morning person? Let them start early. Night owl? They can catch some afternoon sun before they settle in for the day.
2. Light It Up
Create a brighter workspace by installing daylight bulbs or investing in light therapy lamps. Even if your team is working from home, encourage them to set up near a window and soak in as much natural light as possible.
3. Get Outside!
Yes, even in winter. Encourage outdoor breaks or walking meetings. A brisk walk during lunch could be the ultimate mood booster for your team, even when the skies are grey.
4. Mental Health First
It’s time to get serious about mental health. Offer support through wellness programs, counselling, or mental health days. Encourage open conversations so your team knows it’s okay not to be okay—and that there’s help if they need it.
5. Give Them a Change of Scenery
Let your team mix it up! Whether it’s switching work locations to sunnier spots or allowing remote work flexibility, changing their environment could be the pick-me-up they need.
6. Wellness Days for the Win
Offer extra time off during the winter months to recharge, spend time outdoors, or just enjoy some self-care. Think of it as an investment in their well-being—and in your business’s long-term success.
Winter might bring the blues, but with a few changes, you can make sure your team stays motivated, engaged, and smashing their goals.
