How To Boost Employee Morale In Darker Months

In this blog, you will learn:

• What employee morale is and how to gauge employee morale.
• How to boost employee morale in the workplace.
• The causes of low employee morale.
• How the darker months can affect employee morale.
• Discover more about our recruitment services.

Employee morale is a vital part of a successful business and an important factor for wellbeing and overall success. However, as we approach winter, the days are shorter, the nights are longer and employee morale is often lower. 

According to the Winter Wellbeing Report, 2 in 3 workers believe they are less productive and have lower concentration levels during winter compared to the warmer seasons.

The report also found that 45% of employees report feeling more stressed during the winter months. For businesses and organisations, a decline in employee morale, engagement and productivity across the winter can be detrimental to business growth and success.

Our latest blog uncovers practical ways to boost employee morale in the darker months and explores what leaders can do to lift team spirits.

What is employee morale?

Employee morale refers to how employees feel about their work environment and their role in it. It takes into account employee attitude towards work and their outlook on the organisation as a whole.

Employee morale can have a significant effect on mental health and wellbeing, which can directly impact a professional's engagement, productivity and quality of work. 

When morale is high, it suggests that employees are satisfied with their workplace and their role. This can lead to greater efficiency and improved services, goals that employers and employees strive for.

Low employee morale can affect retention, as employees are more likely to consider leaving an organisation. Employees may also resort to quiet quitting, where they begin to stop going above and beyond their job duties and essentially mentally check out from their role.

When employee satisfaction is low it can contribute to disengagement, burnout and stress. 

How to gauge employee morale

Employee morale is a key indicator of an organisation’s success and monitoring morale helps leaders understand the overall health of the workplace. Employers are responsible for ensuring morale and team spirit remain high for an organisation to thrive.

Employers must gauge company morale and look for active ways to ensure staff are thriving in their work environment. It is important that managers look out for ways to improve morale, such as promoting worklife balance and consistently seek feedback from employees.

By providing opportunities to communicate feelings and understand the employee experience, organisations can demonstrate suitable support and create a positive workplace culture.

Ways to gauge employee morale

Proactive steps to gauge employee morale and keep staff engaged, include:

• Conducting employee surveys.
• Holding weekly 121 sessions.
• Building a culture of openness and trust.
• Demonstrating support through actions.

How can the darker months affect employee morale?

The shorter days and longer nights of winter can take a toll on employee morale, often leading to reduced social interaction, higher stress and disrupted sleep. 

According to the Winter Wellbeing Report, 20% of people experience some form of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression where a person tends to experience more anxiety during certain months and seasons.

The winter blues and SAD can negatively impact people's mental and physical health as well as employee morale. They can affect mood, energy and concentration which can result in employees becoming more irritated, fatigued and dissatisfied by work. 

How can employers boost employee morale in the workplace?

5 ways for employers to boost employee morale, include:

• Promote a healthy work-life balance.
• Support employee-led initiatives.
• Recognise and celebrate successes and milestones.
• Encourage team bonding.
• Prioritise employee wellbeing.

Promote a healthy work-life balance

Employers should strive to be supportive of their employees' work-life balance. This may include fostering a company culture which prioritises productivity over hours worked. Supporting a healthier balance between professional and personal life can help employees recharge during their downtime. 

In the winter months, the days can feel longer and some employees may benefit from adjusting their work routines. The limited daylight can affect employees mood and energy levels so encouraging lunch time walks will enable employees to soak up the natural light. 

Exercising during the winter is extremely important. A brisk walk, light stretching or even a full workout can help to combat sluggishness and help maintain focus. Employers may consider offering gym memberships or yoga classes for their employees.  

Support employee-led initiatives

To boost morale in the workplace, it is important to listen to employees and take their suggestions on board. Employers should encourage open and honest communication in the workplace and foster a supportive company culture. 

Conducting 121 meetings and surveys is one thing, but it is important to listen to and act on that feedback. Whether it’s clearer promotion opportunities, financial support during winter, or peer-to-peer training, turning ideas into action shows employees that their voices count.

By putting feedback into practice and creating meaningful support plans, employers can ensure that employees feel valued, respected and motivated in the workplace.

Recognise and celebrate successes and milestones

Celebrating milestones and achievements is a powerful way to boost morale during the darker months. People Management found that 82% of UK employees said that recognition from their managers is important to their happiness at work. It is important to mark important milestones such as birthdays, promotions and personal bests to make employees feel appreciated and celebrated.

Employees who are recognised are often motivated to perform at their best, which can contribute to increased productivity within the organisation. Recognition not only lifts mood and increases motivation, but also helps employees feel valued for their contributions to the overall success of a business.

Encourage team bonding

The overall mood of a team influences how employees feel at work and organising bonding activities can make a real difference. Working in a team or alongside colleagues is inevitable in most work environments and it is important to ensure every member of staff has equal opportunities to thrive.

Team games, learning experiences and away days are a great way to lift spirits during the winter months. These activities enable employees to connect and build relationships, fostering a more efficient and collaborative environment.

Whether it is organising a fun quiz at lunch or planning a Christmas get-together, these moments of connection can strengthen trust, reduce feelings of isolation and ultimately boost morale across the workplace.

Prioritise employee wellbeing

Like employee morale, wellbeing is important all year round but can be significantly affected by darker months, long commutes in poor weather and lack of outdoor activity. The winter months can have an impact on both physical and mental health, with shorter days often linked to lower energy and SAD. 

A survey of 500 UK business leaders by Celonis, found that 81% of British businesses report low employee morale and many say this lowers productivity. Providing access to mental health resources, improving the workplace conditions to accommodate all needs and even encouraging wellbeing initiatives, can support staff through this period.

Prioritising mental health in the darker months and providing wellbeing initiatives can help employees feel supported and happier in their role.

When employers feel supported in looking after their health, they are likely to stay motivated, engaged and positive at work, even during the darkest months of the year.

What causes low employee morale?

Common causes of low employee morale, include:

• Poor management.
• Stress.
• Burnout.
• Poor company culture.
• Mental health challenges.
• Lack of recognition.
• Poor communication.
• Unfair pay.
• Lack of career progression or development opportunities.
• Lack of flexibility.
• Toxic work environment.
• External pressures such as financial stress or personal issues.

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