How to Prevent the January Blues in your Workforce

Everyone looks forward to the holidays, spending time with their families and winding down for the year. However, it can be tough to return to work and get back into the routine once the holidays are over. Hence, the January blues can impact morale, productivity, and your company’s bottom line. Here are a few ways to prevent the January blues from hitting your workforce this year.

Focus on your successes

If you have information from the end of last year as to how the company finished off the year, such as any big projects implemented or major clients brought on board, then celebrate these wins. Focusing on your company’s successes – which your employees worked to accomplish – can give them motivation and prevent the blues from setting in.

Invest in some new skills

With the new year coming in and perhaps a new budget to work with, this could be an excellent time for encouraging your employees to enroll in a course or sign up for a conference to help develop their skills or learn a new one. Investing in your employees will help to make them feel like they are important to the company, and they can use their new skills in helping to grow your company.

Encourage physical activity

If your employees are feeling a little down, working out or exercising may be the last thing they want to do. However, aerobic exercise can help improve a person’s mood and release endorphins to decrease anxiety or depression. Encourage employees to take their breaks, get up and go for a walk or spend some time outside. If possible, share resources with employees for getting active and ways to eat more nutritious foods on a regular basis.

Maintain the work-life balance

Work gets busy sometimes, and employees may work overtime to help the company achieve its goals. As employees are just getting back into their routines in January, try to help them maintain their work-life balance. If possible, minimize overtime for employees and encourage them to end their workday at their regular time. Maintaining an appropriate balance can help employees fight off the January blues and feelings of depression.

Make a commitment to mental health

Having a sincere commitment to your employees’ mental health can help them talk about any mental health issues they may have. In addition, encouraging your employees to seek help minimizes the stigma around mental health issues. Living with mental health issues can be a considerable struggle for anyone, but having an employer supportive of seeking help can make the workplace a better space.

Contact TeksMed today

The January blues can make being productive at work difficult, and it can impact the office environment. But, with a few simple steps, your employees will breeze through January!

Does your organization require assistance developing a disability management or return to work program? If so, we are here to help. Contact TeksMed today.