5 workplace morale boosts for the winter blues
Depending on geographic location, the winter months can really wear down workplace morale. Finding creative ways to boost morale in winter…
Depending on geographic location, the winter months can really wear down workplace morale. Finding creative ways to boost morale in winter is a great way to keep employees happy and healthy. If you’re lucky enough to be located in a place that doesn’t get too dreary in the winter (Yay Australia!) you can still use these tips to boost workplace morale any time of the year.
Workplace morale is important!
If you are in HR, like most of the people who read our blog, you probably already know this. But during the winter months, a little extra effort can go a long way. These 5 tips can help.
1. Embrace the season
Even though it’s no longer beach season, there’s still lots of fun to be had. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and ringing in the New Year are all opportunities to get employees excited. You don’t need to have a huge party either. A simple team lunch (provided or potluck style), costume competitions, and gift exchanges can be a fun way to boost workplace morale and get to know your team a little better.
2. Add flexibility to work schedules
For some, winter conditions can make getting to work a nightmare. If your business allows for a more relaxed schedule, it can be a huge morale boost to your employees. We’ve often touted the positives of using remote workers, and winter can be a great time to explore that option while at the same time giving your current employees a huge stress relief.
3. Let there be light
Daylight savings can be a real bummer. When the sun starts going down at 4:00pm employees often miss out on important natural light exposure. Do what you can to keep blinds open and let in as much natural light as possible throughout the day.
There have been plenty of studies regarding the effects of artificial light, so when workers are stuck with shorter days in the winter months, it’s important to encourage outdoor breaks. If you can, provide a heated area outdoors to encourage people to get up from their desks and get outside.
4. Get people on their feet
Exercise is an excellent way to boost workplace morale. You don’t have to make it mandatory to get people into it, just make it easy. Bring in a yoga instructor once a week or get a ping pong table (if you’ve got the space). You can also look for opportunities to get out of the office, like a lunchtime bowling match at a nearby alley. Even a little bit of activity can go a long way to improving someones mood so find creative solutions to get people moving.
5. Pump up the jams
Cheery and upbeat music can improve someones mood. Using tools like Spotify to create a shared company playlist is a great way to get everyone involved in the process. Music is also a great way to learn more about your employees and inspire conversations. Remember the last time you heard a great song or one you hadn’t listened to in a long time? It makes for a great conversation piece.
How do you beat the winter blues and boost workplace morale? We’d love to hear any tips you have in the comments below.
Originally published at www.thesearchparty.com on November 26, 2015.