We’ve been talking a lot about encouraging workplace health this spring and summer. But, what happens when the colder, darker months come creeping up on us? In order to prepare for fall and winter health and wellness, we need to get on top of it now.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a guide to keeping up with employee wellness for the rest of the year.
How is fall and winter different?
For many people, it’s easy to work out, eat healthy and feel good in the spring and summer. The sun is shining, the fresh foods are at the market and there’s so many activities to do outside. But, when the darker days hit, so can Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that is brought on by the change in season and weather.
If we help our employees prepare for these upcoming months, the effects don’t have to be so hard on them.
In the fall and winter, there are several main reasons why SAD can be brought on:
- Lack of sunlight
- Decreased exercise
- Eating habits
- Isolation
We’re going to go through these four reasons and discuss what employers can do to help and how employees can make changes at home as well to combat these things. If we get on top of these four things, health and wellness can continue easily into the fall and winter.
Lack of sunlight.
There is evidence that shows a lack of sunlight can cause people to have a deficiency of vitamin D. To help fight this in the office, ensure that you are letting the sunlight in! Keep the blinds open in the office. You can also encourage walks during meetings, breaks or lunch to get employees outside.
Employees can also work with their family doctor to discuss the use of SAD lamps and vitamin D supplements.
Decreased exercise.
More time inside due to the weather can decrease the amount of exercise one person gets and the amount of motivation for exercise one person has.
There are many ways that an employer can encourage physical movement. You can offer perks for employees who commute to work by either walking, riding their bike or taking public transportation! You can offer indoor workout classes, passes and options as well.
Eating habits.
The third thing that can bring on SAD and less than optimal wellness levels is eating habits. It’s so easy to snack and crave unhealthy things when the winter blues hit. While sweet, homemade baking ramps up in the cooler months, ensure that your office remains a healthy place for the most part!
Have treats for employees on occasion, but also have healthier options as well. Even just having a bowl of fruit in the lunchroom does wonders when someone goes into the kitchen because they’re feeling snacky!
You can also encourage employees to see a nutritionist through their benefits package if it is included. You can also start a healthy lunch club in the office. Every week someone brings a meal for the team that is both healthy and nutritious. It helps everyone eat healthy and learn a new recipe or two.
Isolation.
The final big topic that comes into play in the fall and winter is isolation. This topic is one that we need to really work on to help continue workplace health and wellness. When employees face feelings of isolation, it can put a huge strain on their lives both in and out of the office. Isolation may come into play due to change in circumstances, workplace structure, health restrictions, etc.
As an employer, it’s important to pay attention to your employees. Do they seem isolated from others in the office? Are they making any effort? Is anyone making an effort with them? If you can tell that they may be struggling, reach out to them. Show them that you care and are worried about their health and wellbeing.
Sometimes all that is needed is someone to reach out and show the person struggling that someone cares.
Another way to help ensure the continuation of workplace health and wellbeing is to continue workplace interaction. If you have a hybrid work model, ensure that people are connecting virtually. Offer fun games, ways to bring the team together, etc.
Do your part to ensure that isolation is not a problem within your office dynamics.
Navy & Sage Benefits can help.
Was this article helpful when it comes to what to look out for this fall and winter in the office? At Navy & Sage Benefits, we believe that workplace health and wellbeing is one of the most important factors of a good office structure and its happy employees.
If you’re looking for more information on SAD or workplace happiness, reach out to us today. We can share more resources and point you in the right direction when it comes to catering your workplace benefit packages to include more wellness related offerings.
