How do you support your staff through the January Blues….?
January is known to be the month where peoples’ mood is at its lowest. It’s the return back to work after the festive period.
There is even Blue Monday on 15th January!
So you may notice staff a little more distant, maybe thinking of when the weather will improve, when is their next holiday… the overall mood may feel glum and gloomy!
LET ME TELL YOU A SECRET……….
Despite the bad press about January research shows that this month has just as much workplace discontent and struggle as every other month. We have placed this emphasis on this month over a period of years so our staff feed into it and their brains psychological think ‘January blues’
We can’t wave a magic wand and disperse this notion, however… we can implement some remedies to support you and your staff to overcome the deflated feeling after the holidays….
Ways you and your team can get through the January blues….
Companies such as Charted Institute of Personnel and Development, Harvard Business Review and UK Charity Mind have gone out to businesses to look at ‘The Blues’ and what businesses try to do to support their staff.
Here are some of the strategies for looking after yourself and your teams physical and emotional wellbeing.
# Regular check – ins
It’s well known that communication is the make or break tool in relationships. Make it a regular habit to check in with staff on how they are. Virtual teams channels have made this a lot easier to check in, and has been shown that teams who are able to share their feelings in a safe and open environment and are encouraged to talk openly, expressing vulnerability supports mental wellbeing.
It gives staff a forum to feel they are not alone in their feelings, the main foundation to setting up these regular checkins is to offer support and encouragement to each other.
Set the presidency of these check ins with your team and show some vulnerability as well as one way that you’re going to stay motivated too.
# One with nature
We have an innate need to be in nature and be outdoors. Extensive studies have shown that being in nature or green spaces not only improves our wellbeing but reduces our emotions of stress and anger.
Encouraging staff to take breaks away from their desks for a small walk outside, even together if in the office, maybe even sitting in their garden if working virtually. Do this practice yourself too, it will also show your team you’re leading by example.
Taking breaks and short walks to engage our muscles releases endorphins which will improve mood and focus. Introduce ‘A walk around the block’ breaks or even ‘Walk and Talk’ meetings.
# Revisit goals
No matter when individual and team goals were set. It’s a great time to reset and refocus on the year ahead. It can give yourself and your team a chance to reflect on what’s been achieved so far and focus on what goals are still in progress.
It encourages taking time to consider what is to be achieved both personally in career development and ensuring team goals are still aligned to the departmental and organisational objectives.
Introduce a ‘Start to the Year Review’ that can be done as a team and individually, set aside time in diaries for this.
# Small gestures
Asking staff what might help and support them through this month is a simple gesture but can actually have a huge impact on people.
One small change or additional support such as a ‘Coffee and catch up’, ‘Pooled lunches’, it could be providing snacks in the break room or allowing for suggestions in the staff canteen/ restaurant.
The changes don’t have to be financially significant but it could result in more productivity and a more positive working environment for everyone.
Staff feel more engaged and want to come to work (both in person and virtually) when they feel listened to and heard.
# Lead by example
It can be a challenge to feel upbeat yourself when coming back but as leaders we are looked upon for that drive initially.
Communicating positive messages to teams, giving praise and encouraging feedback can help staff feel more positive and that in turn will allow you to feel more positive. Just as negativity can quickly spread so can positivity!
Allow your staff to give you that positive reinforcement too when it is needed. A truly supportive team drives and motivates each other no matter what grade or level you are.
Explore further…
Are you keen to explore more ways in which to engage, motivate and retain staff in your organisation?
Ashleigh has an uncanny ability to really get to the bottom of why we feel unproductive at times. Her advanced skills and techniques enable her to carve the right pathway so that we perform better as professionals, sleep better on a night, and function in a much more efficient and productive way during the day. When it comes to her coaching and personal development sessions, she listens intently, asking the right questions and finding the solutions that we need to achieve our goals whether they be personal or professional. If you are someone that is lacking clarity and focus, or someone that has advanced to the next stage of their career and looking to increase productivity, or even someone that just wants foolproof ways of better managing a team, then I would recommend Inspire OD unreservedly.
You won’t be disappointed.
Ashleigh has an uncanny ability to really get to the bottom of why we feel unproductive at times. If you are someone that is lacking clarity and focus, or someone that has advanced to the next stage of their career and looking to increase productivity, or even someone that just wants foolproof ways of better managing a team, then I would recommend Inspire OD unreservedly.
You won’t be disappointed.
Rachel Taylor
Managing Director
★★★★★
I couldn’t recommend working with Ashleigh more.
She has used her skills to help me become more productive and get to the deeper issue of why I wasn’t using my time effectively. She does this without any judgement and with such professionalism. I felt safe and open to talk to her and I really looked forward to our sessions.
If you are ever stuck and need someone to help guide you in the right direction Ashleigh is your girl!
I couldn’t recommend working with Ashleigh more.
She has used her skills to help me become more productive and get to the deeper issue of why I wasn’t using my time effectively. She does this without any judgement and with such professionalism. I felt safe and open to talk to her and I really looked forward to our sessions.
If you are ever stuck and need someone to help guide you in the right direction Ashleigh is your girl!
Georgina McGarry
Founder
★★★★★
I had a vision of achieving my goals but lacked the clear path & tools to get there.
Our very first session, I was struck by Ashleigh’s genuine enthusiasm and dedication to helping me succeed.
Her ability to listen attentively and ask insightful questions created an environment where I felt comfortable sharing my aspirations, challenges, and fears.
I had a vision of achieving my goals but lacked the clear path & tools to get there.
Our very first session, I was struck by Ashleigh’s genuine enthusiasm and dedication to helping me succeed.
Her ability to listen attentively and ask insightful questions created an environment where I felt comfortable sharing my aspirations, challenges, and fears.
Fiona McEwan
Senior Lecturer
★★★★★
Ashleigh led an amazing insights discovery session that I absolutely loved!
She made the whole experience enjoyable and easy to understand. Now, I use the insights profile she helped create every day in my work, and it’s definitely been a game-changer.
Ashleigh is fantastic at what she does, and I highly recommend her for anyone looking to gain valuable insights and improve their daily professional life
Ashleigh led an amazing insights discovery session that I absolutely loved!
She made the whole experience enjoyable and easy to understand. Now, I use the insights profile she helped create every day in my work, and it’s definitely been a game-changer.
Ashleigh is fantastic at what she does, and I highly recommend her for anyone looking to gain valuable insights and improve their daily professional life
John Duncan
Security Manager
★★★★★
Ashleigh was absolutely fabulous, from the moment my coaching journey began she guided me through the process and made me feel comfortable throughout. The session felt non judgemental and relaxed. She allowed me to speak freely and guided our discussion allowing me to conclude my own opinions. She really helped me draw clarity on my situation and ensured I left feeling positive with the knowledge I can tackle my issue head on.
Ashleigh was absolutely fabulous, from the moment my coaching journey began she guided me through the process and made me feel comfortable throughout. The session felt non judgemental and relaxed. She allowed me to speak freely and guided our discussion allowing me to conclude my own opinions. She really helped me draw clarity on my situation and ensured I left feeling positive with the knowledge I can tackle my issue head on.
Lucy Alexander
P.E. Teacher
★★★★★
We asked Inspire OD to deliver the Introduction to Insights Discovery Workshop.
As a transformation programme and project management team, the session was incredibly insightful for self-awareness, understanding how to work best with our stakeholders and for the wider team dynamic.
Ashleigh’s delivery style ensures all participates get the most from the session and paces the content to ensure you come away equipped with a new set of skills that you can readily apply.
I would strongly recommend to others!
We asked Inspire OD to deliver the Introduction to Insights Discovery Workshop.
As a transformation programme and project management team, the session was incredibly insightful for self-awareness, understanding how to work best with our stakeholders and for the wider team dynamic.
Ashleigh’s delivery style ensures all participates get the most from the session and paces the content to ensure you come away equipped with a new set of skills that you can readily apply.
I would strongly recommend to others!
Nicola Topping
Strategic Transformation Change Lead
★★★★★
I’d highly recommend Ashleigh at Inspire OD.
She came to our office and delivered a Team Building Taster Session for us and it was absolutely fantastic. Such a fun and engaging way to bring the team together which really got us thinking about ourselves, how others perceive us and how we can lean into these discoveries to further build on our internal communication to achieve our goals collectively
I’d highly recommend Ashleigh at Inspire OD.
She came to our office and delivered a Team Building Taster Session for us and it was absolutely fantastic. Such a fun and engaging way to bring the team together which really got us thinking about ourselves, how others perceive us and how we can lean into these discoveries to further build on our internal communication to achieve our goals collectively
Joe Crooks
Creative Director
★★★★★
Ashleigh has a great talent that not many people have today, and that is the ability to listen.
During conversations with Ashleigh, she gave me the tools to deal with scenarios which I hadn’t considered and were of great benefit, I will continue to use going forward
Ashleigh has a great talent that not many people have today, and that is the ability to listen.
During conversations with Ashleigh, she gave me the tools to deal with scenarios which I hadn’t considered and were of great benefit, I will continue to use going forward
