Published: January 2025
Reading time: 4 minutes
Suitable for: Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors and Team Leaders
Topics: Wellbeing | Mental Health | Employee Engagement | Seasonal Wellbeing
At a glance
Main goal: Encourage positive conversations about wellbeing during the winter months.
Who should get involved? Everyone in the workplace.
Key action: Check in with colleagues, encourage connection and promote healthy habits.
Remember: Supporting wellbeing is important throughout the year, not just on Blue Monday.
Why this matters
The third Monday in January is often referred to as Blue Monday and is sometimes described as the most difficult day of the year. While the idea itself isn’t based on recognised scientific evidence, it has become a useful reminder to check in on ourselves and those around us.
For many people, January can feel challenging. Short daylight hours, cold weather, financial pressures following the festive period and returning to work after the holidays can all affect mood and motivation.
Whether or not Blue Monday is truly the “most depressing day of the year”, supporting employee wellbeing throughout the winter can have a positive impact on morale, engagement and productivity.
Understanding winter wellbeing
Many people experience a drop in mood during the winter months, and for some, this may be linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a recognised form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly during autumn and winter when daylight hours are shorter.
Symptoms can include:
- Persistent low mood
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Loss of interest in usual activities
If someone is experiencing ongoing symptoms, they should be encouraged to seek support from their GP or a qualified healthcare professional.
Make Blue Monday a positive conversation
Rather than focusing on negative headlines, use Blue Monday as an opportunity to encourage optimism and connection.
Consider asking your team:
- What are you looking forward to this year?
- What’s one goal you’d like to achieve?
- What’s gone well so far this month?
Simple conversations can help people shift their focus towards positive opportunities and shared achievements.
Small actions can make a big difference
Supporting employee wellbeing doesn’t have to involve large budgets or complicated initiatives.
Ideas include:
- Recognising individual or team achievements
- Organising a charity fundraiser or community activity
- Providing tea, coffee or healthy snacks
- Encouraging colleagues to take lunch breaks together
- Holding an informal team catch-up
- Offering flexible break times where possible
These small gestures can help strengthen relationships and remind employees that they are valued.
Encourage healthy habits
Looking after wellbeing starts with everyday routines.
Encourage employees to:
- Spend time outdoors during daylight hours
- Take regular breaks away from their workstation
- Stay physically active
- Speak to colleagues and maintain social connections
- Seek support if they are struggling
Sometimes a simple conversation can make a significant difference.
Creating a positive workplace all year round
Supporting wellbeing shouldn’t be limited to one day in January.
Businesses that promote open communication, encourage work-life balance and provide appropriate support throughout the year are more likely to develop engaged, resilient teams.
Blue Monday can simply act as a useful reminder to pause, check in with colleagues and continue building a positive workplace culture.
Related resources
Documents
Need more help?
Creating a positive workplace culture is about more than responding to difficult days—it’s about building an environment where employees feel supported throughout the year.
The Health & Safety Portal provides a range of wellbeing resources, including e-learning courses, toolbox talks and guidance documents to help businesses promote positive mental health and employee wellbeing.
Together, small actions can make a lasting difference.