Understandable, because it is the coldest time of the year, the holidays have taken their toll on our wallets and many feel guilty about broken resolutions. Especially during this period it can be difficult to find enjoyment at work. In this blog we share four tips that can help employees get through this day positively.
For many, Blue Monday is the most depressing day of the year. But is it really the worst workday of the year or is it a failed publicity stunt?
The term was coined by the British psychologist Cliff Arnall at the request of travel company Sky Travel. He created a 'formula' for the January blues, based on factors such as the time that has elapsed since Christmas, the breaking or giving up of New Year's resolutions, bad weather and the debts you have. Although this formula was later debunked, the idea was still used by the travel company in a press release for their winter offers.
This year ‘Blue Monday’ falls on maandag 15 januari 2024. We share four tips that employers can get started with immediately.
For employees, it's pleasant to work in a positive environment. Good relations with colleagues in the workplace play an important role in this. A sincere compliment from a manager or colleague can work wonders. On Blue Monday, schedule a short moment for the team to focus on each other's strengths and how you complement one another. When you share this, it not only contributes to individual growth on that day, but also simultaneously boosts team spirit.
Although it is important to complete tasks, employees sometimes also need a moment of rest. Make time available forrelaxation. More and more companies offer a ‘well-being budget’ that every employee according to their own
insight can spend: from meditation sessions to sports equipment. Meeting-free days are also an option. Be alert and in any case make sure there is space for employees on the work floor to clear their heads for a short moment and de-stress.
A healthy body is important, but a clear mind is just as much. On Blue Monday, start the conversation with employees about their mental health. For example, consider a buddy system. In practice, a buddy system has been shown to strengthen the connection between colleagues and to promote the well-being and functioning of employees.
To increase happiness, it's smart to develop employees' talents. Have them map out their talents on this day and set goals they want to achieve in 2024. These goals can then be translated into concrete actions for personal and organizational growth!
In short, it actually doesn't matter whether Blue Monday is a myth or not. As an employer, you can take a moment on this day and pay extra attention to the well-being of employees.
