Seasonal Affective Disorder affects an estimated 5 per cent of the UK population - becoming especially prevalent during the coldest and darkest winter months from December to February.
The seasonal Affective Disorder Association outlines the symptoms, which may include sleep problems, lethargy, cravings for carbohydrates and sweet foods, depression, irritability, social problems, tension, changes in mood, and a weakened immune system (their guidance for those concerned by these symptoms: seek medical advice). Whilst symptoms are said to disappear in the Spring, they can recur year-on-year, making the winter months particularly challenging for sufferers.
Such symptoms - whether the result of Seasonal Affective Disorder or a less detrimental case of the winter blues - may affect the well-being and productivity of employees and presents tricky challenges for UK firms.
Employers must consider how to tackle drops in performance, whilst at the same time being sensitive to the increased pressures the winter season brings. A tricky balance, but one which is undoubtedly made easier by maintaining open, regular communication between employer and employees in order to identify health or performance issues accordingly.
And though not obliged to do so, employers might consider approaches to ‘lighten the mood’ during winter months, which may serve to lessen the effects of seasonal conditions.
Consultancy firm Croner offers 4 top tips to beating workplace winter blues:
- Ensure employees are working within a comfortable environment by turning the heating up to maintain an optimum working temperature of 20 to 24 degrees and making sure lighting is sufficient in all work areas.
- Consider implementing ‘winter flexible working’ by allowing staff to work additional hours on their lunch break, in the morning or late afternoon so they can leave early on a Friday.
- Encourage employees to incorporate exercise into their daily routine by providing subsidised membership at a local gym.
- Arrange onsite health screenings so staff feel their well-being is being considered, while serious cases of Seasonal Effective Disorder could also be identified during these health checks.
http://www.croner.co.uk
Find out more about taking steps to promote employees’ and your own well-being and preventing illness and injury, by reading - Occupational health and welfare: an overview
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