Winter is here—and with it, shorter days, colder nights, and seasonal ailments. For workplaces, this could mean higher absenteeism due to seasonal illnesses, decreased productivity, and lower overall team engagement. With proactive steps, employers can create a supportive environment where employees thrive, even during winter’s toughest months.
Explore the practical strategies below to enhance wellness in the office this winter.
Impact of Winter on Workplace Wellness
It is important to understand how the winter season affects workplace wellness, both physically and mentally.
Psychological and Physiological Effects
Cold, dark winters can take a toll on both the mind and body. Seasonal Affective Disorder effects approximately 6% of the U.S. population and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, lack of focus, and depression. For employees, this could mean lower motivation and engagement at work.
The colder months also see an uptick in colds, flu, and other illnesses due to weakened immune systems and more time spent indoors with windows shut. Winter can also exacerbate conditions like arthritis and respiratory illnesses like asthma, which could impact work performance.
Seasonal Illness and Productivity
For workplaces, an environment that supports employee well-being during winter can make all the difference in productivity and satisfaction.
How to Enhance Workplace Wellness
Once you understand the challenges, it becomes easier to implement actionable strategies to improve workplace wellness in the winter.
1. Encourage Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
Cold weather can make it easier to skip the gym, so it is crucial to promote physical activity in and out of the office. Some ideas include:
- Wellness challenges, like step competitions, to keep employees active.
- Partnership with local gyms to offer discounted memberships for staff.
- Encourage memberships to building amenity centers, like the Empire State Building Club Level
- Standing desks or ergonomic equipment to encourage movement during work hours.
Winter is also a great time to stock the office kitchen with immune-boosting snacks like citrus fruits and nuts. Healthy eating workshops and cooking classes can inspire smarter food choices.
2. Invest in Mental Health Support
Mental health challenges are most likely to spike in the winter, and small efforts can have a big impact. Employers can take several steps to support their team when they:
- Arrange mental health workshops with licensed professionals.
- Offer access to employee assistance programs that provide confidential counseling.
- Create quiet, wellness-focused spaces in the office where employees can recharge during the day.
How to Create a Winter Wellness Plan
- Assess Current Needs:
Survey employees to identify their biggest wellness concerns. - Set Clear Goals:
Whether to reduce sick days, improve employee satisfaction, or increase productivity, identify areas for achievement. - Focus on Inclusivity:
Ensure your wellness program caters to everyone. - Offer a Range of Activities:
Combine physical, mental, and social wellness activities to create a well-rounded program that meets diverse needs. - Measure Success:
Use follow-up surveys and wellness data to evaluate the effectiveness of each program and adjust as needed.
Technology and Tools to Improve Winter Wellness
Technology can be a powerful ally for employee wellness during winter.
ESRT’s Indoor Environmental Quality Measures
Indoor air quality is critical in winter. ESRT’s industry-leading indoor environmental quality (IEQ) measures offer practical solutions to improve air filtration, reduce allergens, and maintain ideal temperature and humidity levels.
Some of ESRT’s IEQ measures include:
- Advanced lighting control systems to optimize daylight.
- Active bipolar ionization that neutralizes 99.92% of viruses and airborne diseases.
- MERV 13 filters to remove 85% of harmful particles like dust, mold, and pollen.
- Demand control ventilation to ensure adequate fresh air introduction based on CO2 levels.
- Low/no VOC materials and no Red List materials.
- Certified green cleaning products.
- Annual comprehensive, third-party air and water quality testing.
Cleaner air can lead to fewer sick days and a more comfortable office environment overall.
Learn more about ESRT's healthy buildings!
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