Today is Blue Monday, often labeled as 'the most depressing day of the year.' But who says it has to be? Let's flip the script and use this day as a powerful reminder for us to focus on wellbeing at work. Because let's face it, January can be tough and even the most motivated employees might struggle to keep their spirits high.
As an HR professional, how do you maintain a positive, productive work environment when your employees (and perhaps you too) might be feeling the opposite?
Here's how you can make a difference today:
✓ Acknowledge the day: Send out a company-wide message about Blue Monday. Remind everyone that it's okay to feel blue, and foster open discussions about mental health.
✓ Promote mindful breaks: Encourage your employees to take mindful breaks today – a quick breathing exercise, a short meditation, or a brief walk can make a big difference.
✓ Share personal stories: Share real stories of overcoming challenges or positive thinking. Encourage employees to share their own experiences. This creates a sense of community and support, showing that they’re not alone in their feelings.
But remember, it's not just about today. Consistent check-ins through regular surveys keep you attuned to your employees' wellbeing year-round.
Blue Monday might come and go, but the rising trend of employee stress and burnout is a year-round concern. Here in the Netherlands, over a quarter of sick leaves in early 2023 were due to psychological reasons, with an increasing trend in their duration.
These aren't just numbers. They're a reflection of a deeper challenge in our workplaces. By 2030, stress might incapacitate a third of the workforce if we don't act now. But here’s the silver lining: investing in employee wellbeing isn't just good ethics, it's smart economics. Companies focusing on employee wellbeing see boosts in engagement and productivity and a marked decrease in absenteeism.
Curious about how wellbeing can drive your business forward? Read our in-depth article to learn more.
Still looking for inspiration to tweak your HR strategy for this year? Take a virtual walk through our winter market and see what 2024 has in store for HR. You'll discover essential HR topics and inspiring events that are perfect additions to your strategy. We're excited to meet and connect with you at these events, where we can learn and grow together, creating better workplaces in the process.
Make your job easier, so you can focus more on what matters: your employees. This update lets you gather and use feedback without the hassle. Perfect for busy HR professionals who want to keep things running smoothly. Interested in how it works and why it's great for you?
Stay up-to-date with all the latest product enhancements and solutions. Each month, we'll be updating this overview to keep you in the loop with everything new and improved. Keep an eye on these updates to make the most out of our products.
Curious about the new features we're developing for the upcoming months? Here's your chance to get a glimpse and help us decide which ones we should prioritize. Your input is crucial in guiding our roadmap!
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Wishing you a positive and productive start to the year,
