Buckle up, employers. Blue Monday, known as the most depressing day of the year, is just around the corner, and your team may need a guiding light.
The cold, dark winter mornings can be a tough time for everyone, and getting back into the swing of things after the festive break can be even more challenging. That’s why it’s incredibly important for leaders to pave the way and make life that little bit easier for employees on Blue Monday.
In this blog, we’ll share our most practical strategies and easy-to-follow steps on how to support your workers this Monday 20th January 2025, boost team morale, and beat the blues.
Why is it Important to Support Employees on Blue Monday?
Mental health has never been more important in the workplace. According to Mind, “1 in 6 workers is dealing with a mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or stress.” As expected, the heightened emotions that come along with Blue Monday can take its toll.
The difference between a good leader and an excellent one is all about building a positive company culture that protects employees’ mental health. After all, we do spend 24% of each week at work (based on a 40-hour week). So, whether your team is in an office, hybrid, or completely remote, creating an environment where your employees feel valued and supported is essential; especially on what’s considered the saddest day of the year.
Aside from improving overall mental wellbeing, supporting your employees on Blue Monday could lead to even more benefits, such as:
- Boosting team morale and improving employee relationships
- Increasing work efficiency and productivity
- Sparking inspiration and creativity
- Combatting employee absenteeism
- Increasing employee retention
- Improving your company’s reputation
- Generating new business leads and talent
What can Employers do to Banish the Blues this Blue Monday?
Explore our five top tips on how to support your team to make sure they feel both valued and uplifted this Blue Monday:
1. Show Appreciation and Set Goals
Why not begin the new year with a focus on reflection, professional development, and celebrating employees; an approach that can help take the ‘blue’ out of ‘Blue January’? In an interview with HR Director, Adam Butler, workplace solutions expert and CEO at Officeology stated: “The start of the year is the perfect time to check in with your employees and discuss career milestones they want to achieve throughout the year, as this is one of the many ways you make your employees feel supported and can further reinforce a positive mindset to kick off the year.”
If you typically conduct annual appraisals in January, shift the date to fall on Blue Monday and transform it into a day all about employee recognition, setting SMART goals and inspiring your employees for the year ahead.
Here at emPerform, we offer clever management software that simplifies performance reviews, making them transparent and actionable. Check out our previous blog for some tips on mastering employee performance reviews!
2. Reward Good Work
Blue Monday could be the perfect time to acknowledge hard work and share praise; no matter how big or small it is. For example, if a team member has returned from the festive break full of positivity, thank them for it. Or, if someone has already gone above and beyond their targets in the first couple of weeks of January, showcase your appreciation and reward their success accordingly.
If you want to take this to the next level, why not consider pay rises and promotions? If one of your company benefits includes regular bonuses, it’d be a clever idea to save a bonus to be received on Blue Monday. Or, if someone is due a promotion, you could deliver the good news on the day, too. With emPerform’s Compensation Management software you can easily flip Blue Monday on its head and make it a day for celebration.
3. Host Team-Focused Events
Nobody wants to feel alone on Blue Monday. As MCL Medics points out, “shared experiences can lift spirits and strengthen team bonds.” Consider hosting a well-being workshop around important topics such as mindfulness practices or stress management to engage your team. Whether it’s in-person or virtual, make sure it’s meaningful and the subject matter aligns with your company values; don’t just host a “Blue Monday” event for the sake of it as this can be perceived as insincere.
Perhaps a talk isn’t right for your employees. Maybe you’d be more suited to hosting a post-office quiz or social gathering, instead? Whatever you choose to do, remember that the point is to engage and uplift your employees and encourage team building.
4. Encourage Regular Breaks
Like any other day, good leaders should encourage staff to take regular breaks from their desks to avoid burnout. Particularly as so many of us choose to work from home, or are completely remote, it can be easy to stay glued to our screens all day.
As an employer, it’s your responsibility to check in with team members and encourage regular breaks throughout the day. Pay particular attention to any remote staff and check in with them virtually – it’s as easy as sending a Teams message or picking up the phone. You could even offer an extra-long lunch break or an early finish as a nice gesture on Blue Monday. It’s sure to be appreciated.
Rosie Hyam, people partner at Just Eat for Business adds “Given the emphasis currently being placed on health and wellbeing, it’s important that employers and employees prioritise sustainable and healthy working habits – including taking more regular screen breaks and setting time aside to socialise with colleagues.” Not only will your team be happier, but their productivity levels will likely increase too if they’re feeling more refreshed.
5. Small Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, it’s the little things that go a long way. Treat your team to a free breakfast or a lunch voucher to spend at a takeaway of their choice to help make Blue Monday feel a little lighter. Not only is this a nice gesture, but it also encourages employees to take a step away from their desks and cultivate conversation with other teammates.
Of course, in today’s working culture, many employees are quick to see through false initiatives. After all, nobody is going to appreciate a few free croissants if they’re already feeling too stressed and overworked to enjoy them. The last thing you want is for a genuine token of kindness to be misinterpreted as insincere. Use ongoing feedback and surveys to understand what your employees value most and tailor your efforts accordingly. Afterward, follow up with upward feedback to assess what worked well and identify areas for improvement, ensuring next year’s initiatives are even more meaningful.
Despite the negativity around it, Blue Monday offers a wonderful opportunity for leaders to create a positive work environment and implement new ways to uplift and inspire your team. Whatever you choose to do, whether it’s a new well-being initiative or a generous bonus, the most important thing is to be genuine and meaningful. By cultivating a work culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to thrive, you’ll not only improve individual satisfaction but also achieve better overall results for your organisation.
If you’re keen to level up your performance review process, explore how adding emPerform to your HR Toolkit can help your organisation conduct professional, structured, and results-oriented January reviews that benefit both employees and employers.
Book a FREE demo today or contact us for any advice on performance management.
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