To that end, they have been talking to me about ‘Blue Monday’ and asking for any ideas for things they can do to mark this day. Can you give me any tips to support them in this, please?
Blue Monday takes place on Monday 17 January 2022. This is supposedly the “most depressing day of the year.” Many worry in advance, thinking it will be a gloomy day. There are, however, many ways your client can promote this day and support their staff.
It is a further opportunity to raise awareness of mental health. Providing extra resources in the time preceding and following the 17th, and promoting those already in place, will ensure employees are supported during this time.
On Blue Monday, your client may want to go all out in making the workplace a cheerful and motivating environment. This doesn’t need to be elaborate, basic steps such as changing the background on computer screens to an uplifting screensaver can give a boost. Colourful decorations can also help to make the workplace more relaxed and inviting. Where possible, a dress down day and colourful clothing can also help.
Getting outdoors and into natural daylight, especially at midday and on bright days, can improve mental health, as can keeping active, for example by walking during lunch breaks. Extending lunch breaks during winter or organising lunch walks are low cost and relatively easy ways to encourage this.
Alternatively, temporary hybrid working arrangements or flexibility with working hours can allow for more time away from desks during daylight. Where this isn’t practical, office furniture can be rearranged to maximise exposure to daylight. This can improve motivation and satisfaction and increase productivity and performance.
Healthy eating can be a mood and energy booster. Encouraging or providing healthy breakfasts and snacks in the workplace can help employees to be more health conscious and perform better. Offering an employee assistance programme can further improve wellbeing by providing access to professional mental health resources, such as trained counsellors and guided meditation sessions.
Opening up is important too. According to Bupa’s Workplace Wellbeing Census, 71% of people say having an approachable manager in the past made them feel comfortable enough to raise their own specific wellbeing issues. As such, emotional intelligence and/or mental health training is well worth investing in. Similarly, appointing a mental health first aider in the workplace can help identify early signs of emotional distress, prompting early intervention.
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