Navigating the Winter Slump: Strategies for Employers to Keep Teams Motivated and Productive
As the temperatures drop in the colder months, so do our motivation levels. There’s nothing worse than the sun setting at 4 pm…except finalising budget reports when the sun sets at 4 pm. The winter slump is a formidable foe for managers trying to keep their teams motivated and energised. Luckily, as veterans of several cold, dark, and yet successful Irish winters, we have the ultimate list for combating the winter blues and injecting some much-needed energy into your workplace.
From optimising lighting to competing with colleagues on lunch-time step challenges, we’ve got it all covered in this helpful guide to navigating the winter workplace slump.
Lighting the Way
The lack of natural sunlight during winter can cast a literal shadow on your team’s productivity. Brighten up your workspace with strategic lighting that mimics sunlight for a natural burst of energy. Full-spectrum LED bulbs will not only illuminate your space, but also enhance mood and focus. For an extra morale boost, lean into cozy season by gifting your team desk lamps that emit a warm glow, creating a zen atmosphere for focused work while banishing the winter blues.
Greenery Galore
While the parks and gardens around your office are in full hibernation mode, bring the outdoors in by introducing plants into your workspace. At Grafter, we know live greenery is the key to fresh thinking – which is why you’ll find an abundance of plants in common areas like meeting rooms and breakout spaces. Adding a touch of nature to your private suite has proven benefits for mental well-being. Your desktop succulent can improve air quality, reduce stress levels, and boost creativity.
Let’s Get Social
Leave the hibernation to the bears – there’s strength in numbers, especially when it comes to beating the winter blues. If your company doesn’t already schedule regular social events, encourage team bonding through team building and social activities that break the monotony of work. There are options for all interests and work styles, from virtual game nights to in-person movie and book clubs. Instituting a regular opportunity for colleague interaction beyond the confines of work tasks will bring a much-needed sense of camaraderie to the dark winter days in the office.
Winter Wellness
Combat the lethargy that often accompanies winter by promoting wellness initiatives. A simple but effective strategy is to launch a lunchtime walk challenge with your team. Encourage employees to bundle up and take a break from the four walls of your office each day. Tools like Strava can track miles and steps; ask your team to keep a running log of their lunchtime kilometers to see who comes out on top. Not only will a walk-challenge get those endorphins flowing (boosting both physical and mental health), but also offers an engaging way for employees to connect and interact. Plus, your team will come back to the office recharged by the crisp air, ready for the afternoon ahead!
Cozy Comforts
Getting into the office when the sun still hasn’t risen is hard enough. Make the commute something to look forward to by creating a haven of comfort in the office during the winter months. Provide cozy blankets in comfortable seating areas. Offer a range of warm beverages will make the afternoon cuppa that much more luxurious. A comfortable and inviting environment can make employees feel more at ease, fostering a positive attitude towards office work, even if they’d rather be at home under the duvet! And if you happen to make your HQ in a Grafter office, good news: the hard work is already taken care of. You’ll find a selection of premium roasted coffees, delicious cocoas, and organic teas in your communal kitchen, plus plenty of comfortable spaces to curl up in for some focused work.
Offer Flexibility for Seasonal Challenges
One of the best things you can do for your team is acknowledge the unique challenges that winter presents and offer flexibility to your team during this time. Be aware that a bout of seasonal blues can turn into a more serious mental challenge for some. Whether you adjust working hours to accommodate daylight changes or provide the option for remote work during particularly gloomy days (and we have some helpful tips on creating an effective remote working policy for you!), a flexible approach shows understanding and empathy towards your employees’ well-being.
Navigating the winter slump is no small feat, but with the right strategies, employers can transform the workplace into a vibrant hub of activity, even while it’s grey and gloomy outside. From optimising lighting to fostering important social connections, you’ll find the shorter days growing longer in no time, with springtime right around the corner. How’s that for a sunny outlook?
Ready for an office space fully optimised whatever the weather? Get in touch with our Sales Team to arrange a tour of Grafter’s beautiful office suites and shared workspaces – guaranteed to beat the blues.