Seasonal Affect and Performance: How to Keep Morale High During Shorter Days

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As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many employees start to feel the impact of the changing seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or even just the winter blues can lead to decreased energy, diminished morale, and reduced productivity. Leaders who proactively address these seasonal shifts can help maintain high performance and positive workplace culture year-round. Here’s how you can keep morale high and your team thriving during the darker months.

Understanding Seasonal Affect and Its Impact on Performance

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically worsening in the fall and winter months. While not everyone will experience SAD, many people feel a dip in mood or energy as daylight hours decrease. Symptoms can include:

Low energy and fatigue
Reduced motivation and enthusiasm
Trouble concentrating
Feelings of sadness or irritability

These symptoms can have a tangible impact on workplace performance. If leaders ignore the reality of seasonal affect, they risk seeing decreases in productivity, engagement, and team cohesion. However, leaders who recognize these changes and respond thoughtfully can help their employees stay motivated and maintain productivity even during the gloomiest months.

Strategies for Leaders to Maintain High Morale

Create an Open Dialogue
- One of the most important steps leaders can take is to acknowledge that seasonal changes can affect people differently. Foster a workplace culture that encourages openness by normalizing conversations about mental health and seasonal challenges.
- You can initiate discussions in team meetings or one-on-one check-ins. Ask questions like, “How are you feeling with the shift in seasons?” or “Is there anything we can do to support you as winter sets in?” This shows that you’re not only aware of the seasonal impact but also invested in your team’s wellbeing.

Promote Natural Light Exposure
- Natural light plays a critical role in regulating mood and energy levels. As winter days get shorter, make sure your office space maximizes access to daylight. If natural light is limited, consider adding full-spectrum light lamps that mimic daylight and can help boost mood.
- Encourage outdoor breaks, even if it’s just a brief walk around the block. A dose of fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for energy levels and focus.

Encourage Flexible Schedules
- Allowing employees to shift their work hours to make the most of daylight can be a game-changer. For instance, some employees might prefer starting earlier in the morning so they can finish their workday while it’s still light outside. Flexibility can improve mood and productivity by aligning work schedules with personal energy peaks.

Invest in Wellness Programs
- Wellness programs that focus on mental health, nutrition, and exercise can be incredibly beneficial. Partner with mental health professionals to offer workshops on coping strategies, mindfulness practices, and resilience training.
- Simple initiatives such as yoga or meditation classes can also help employees combat seasonal dips in mood. These activities encourage relaxation, reduce stress, and improve focus.

Create a Comfortable Work Environment
- Physical comfort can have a surprising impact on mental wellbeing. Ensure the workplace is warm, inviting, and cozy. Small additions such as warm lighting, seasonal decorations, and a welcoming break area can boost morale.
- Offer seasonal perks such as warm beverages or cozy blankets to make the workplace feel homier and more supportive during the colder months.

Celebrate Seasonal Activities
- Lean into the season with activities that celebrate what winter has to offer. Host themed office events such as “Hot Chocolate Mondays” or “Winter Wellness Wednesdays” to add some fun and excitement.
- Encourage team-building events like holiday decorating contests, gift exchanges, or volunteering opportunities. These activities can build camaraderie and create positive associations with the season.

Keeping Remote Teams Engaged

For teams working remotely, the challenges of winter can be compounded by isolation. Here’s how you can adapt the above strategies for virtual teams:

Virtual “Sunshine” Sessions: Schedule brief video calls where team members can chat informally, share positive updates, or talk about non-work topics.
Seasonal Care Packages: Send your remote employees care packages with items like cozy socks, herbal teas, or light therapy lamps.
Flexible “Zoom-Free” Hours: The constant glare of the screen can be draining, especially during the darker months. Establish designated times when no video calls are scheduled to help prevent screen fatigue.

Recognizing When to Take Additional Steps

It’s important to recognize when an employee’s struggles go beyond normal seasonal affect. Persistent signs of depression, withdrawal, or significant drops in performance may warrant a conversation about professional mental health support.

Leaders should be equipped with resources and information on Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) or local mental health services. Knowing when to escalate an issue can make a significant difference in an employee’s overall wellbeing and ability to thrive.

Wrapping it Up

Maintaining high morale during shorter days is a challenge that requires attention, creativity, and empathy. By fostering open dialogue, enhancing work environments, promoting wellness, and supporting flexible schedules, leaders can help their teams remain engaged and productive through the winter months. Remember, it’s not just about surviving the season—it’s about thriving together.

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Tresha Moreland

Tresha Moreland is a 30-year organizational effectiveness and strategic workforce planning expert. She partners with business leaders to develop workplace strategies that achieve best-in-class results. She has held key organizational leadership roles in multiple industries such as manufacturing, distribution, retail, hospitality, and healthcare. Tresha is the founder and principal consultant of HR C-Suite, LLC (www.hrcsuite.com). HR C-Suite is a results-based HR strategy resource dedicated to connecting HR with business results. She has received a master’s degree in human resource management (MS) and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). She has also earned a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), Six Sigma Black Belt Professional (SSBBP) Certification. She is also recognized as a Fellow with the American College Healthcare Executives with a FACHE designation.