Winter Wellness: Supporting Your Team’s Productivity and Wellbeing

Winter can be a difficult time of the year for many: short daylight hours, cold weather and lingering financial pressures can affect your team’s morale.

We believe this is the perfect time to refocus on supporting your workforce in meaningful, impactful ways. We look at how businesses can go beyond the basics and make a genuine difference for their employees.

What can I do to make working in winter easier?

Winter can often mean a return to heavy workloads and tight deadlines, which can feel overwhelming after a long break.

• Check in with staff about their workloads and redistribute tasks where necessary. Small adjustments can make a big difference in how supported your workforce feels.
• Allow flexibility where possible, such as remote working options or flexible hours, to help employees ease back into their routines.
• Encourage employees to take their unused annual leave early in the year, to give them a break to look forward to.

What can I do to help lift the mood?

It’s tempting to offer generic ‘fun’ activities to distract employees from the winter blues. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, why not tailor activities to your team’s preferences? For example:

• Host a quiz based on your team’s interests - TV shows, sports, or even workplace trivia.
• Introduce a “pay it forward” coffee station where employees can leave a small treat or positive message for their colleagues.
• Share uplifting or humorous stories from your business’s history that remind employees of the value they bring to your organisation. Small acts of thoughtfulness and recognition can go a long way in promoting connection and positivity.

General energy levels seem really low, but how can I change that?

Mental wellbeing is often linked to physical energy levels. Providing small, actionable ways to help employees recharge can have a profound impact on their mood and productivity.

• Stock the break room with energising snacks like fruits, nuts, or protein bars.
• Introduce a lunchtime walking group to get staff moving and away from their desks.

I’m meeting with my senior team: what should I tell them?

Leadership teams play a vital role in setting the tone; if employees see managers working excessive hours, skipping breaks or appearing overwhelmed, they may feel less able to prioritise their own wellbeing.

• Encourage leaders to openly share their own strategies for managing stress and staying positive.
• Set clear expectations around breaks and work-life balance, especially in high-pressure periods. Authenticity is key; employees are more likely to feel supported when they see this in action.
• Acknowledge the winter blues in team meetings and highlight the resources available to employees.

Is there any training or any procedures my business should have in place?

Employee wellbeing should be a year-round priority. Assess whether your business is encouraging a culture where employees feel supported in the long term.

• Do you have clear mental health support structures in place, such as access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), Wellbeing Champions or Mental Health First Aiders?
• Are managers trained to spot early signs of burnout or mental health concerns?
• Are employees genuinely encouraged to share feedback on how the business can better support them?

Take action now to demonstrate your commitment to your team’s wellbeing.

Contact our Training team at training@skaltd.co.uk or call us on 01427 420 405