Supporting Employees Affected By Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the clocks going back on the 27th October and ‘seasonal affective disorder’ receiving 10,000 searches every month, Tim Brownson, a business coach for coaches, wanted to look into the impact SAD could be having on a business workforce and what can be done to support employees affected by it.

How SAD Is Impacting The Workforce

1. Increased Absenteeism:

• Employees suffering from SAD may experience fatigue, low energy, and general feelings of depression, leading to more frequent sick days.
  

• As the days grow shorter, workers may find it harder to get out of bed, increasing absenteeism rates during winter months.

2. Reduced Productivity:

• SAD can cause lethargy, difficulty concentrating, and lack of motivation, directly impacting productivity. Affected employees may struggle to focus on tasks or maintain the same level of output.
  

• There may be delays in meeting deadlines, reduced creativity, and diminished problem-solving capabilities.
  

3. Lower Employee Engagement and Morale:

• Employees with SAD may feel disconnected from colleagues, experience irritability, or withdraw from team interactions, which could harm workplace relationships and overall morale.
  

• Reduced engagement can also affect the broader workplace culture, as affected employees may not participate as actively in group projects or company initiatives.

4. Flexibility and Remote Working Challenges:

• For workers with SAD, the lack of natural daylight can be more challenging if they are working remotely or indoors for long periods causing them to struggle with isolation which could exacerbate symptoms.

5. Seasonal Recruitment Issues:

• During the winter, recruitment and retention may become harder for organisations if job seekers or employees feel less motivated or experience SAD symptoms, making them more likely to avoid job changes or leave current positions.

These are the ways in which your team could be impacted by SAD, below are the top tips on how to support your team during the darker months.

1. Flexible Working Hours

• Allowing employees to adjust their schedules enables them to make the most of daylight hours, which is critical in combating the symptoms of SAD.
  

• Offer staggered start and end times, or allow workers to shift their hours to better align with when natural light is available.

2. Improved Lighting in the Workplace

• Employees experiencing SAD often benefit from bright light exposure, which can mimic natural daylight and help regulate their mood and energy levels.
  

• Install full-spectrum or daylight bulbs, create well-lit workspaces, and provide light therapy lamps in communal areas. If your team are working from home mostly, it should be encouraged for them to adopt this at home too.
  

3. Encouraging Outdoor Breaks

• Exposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can boost mood and help combat symptoms of SAD.
  

• Encourage employees to take short outdoor breaks, go for walks during lunch, or have outdoor meetings when possible.

4. Mental Health Support Programmes

• SAD is a form of depression, so providing access to mental health resources can significantly benefit affected employees.
  

• Offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), counselling services, or subsidise mental health apps and therapy sessions. Train managers to recognize SAD symptoms and promote open discussions about mental health.

5. Promoting Remote Work Options or Flexible Locations

• Remote work or flexible locations can allow employees to set up workspaces near windows or take advantage of natural light throughout the day.
  

• Give employees the option to work remotely or shift their workspace to areas with more sunlight, particularly during winter months.

6. Holiday and Wellness Days

• Giving employees extra time off during the darker months allows them to recharge, seek therapy, or spend time outdoors during daylight hours.
  

• Offer mental health days, holiday leave, or floating days off that employees can use to focus on their well-being during difficult periods.

The business coach shares his insights on the impact of SAD at work: “Seasonal Affective Disorder can have a profound effect on workplace productivity, morale, and overall employee well-being."

"Companies that fail to address the mental health needs of their staff during the winter months risk facing higher absenteeism, reduced engagement, and increased turnover, it’s important to implement solutions such as flexible work hours, and mental health support, businesses can not only support their employees but also ensure long-term productivity and success.”