“SAD can manifest as reduced productivity, decreased concentration, increased absenteeism, and presenteeism (being physically present but mentally disengaged),” clinical health psychologist Ravi Gill told HR magazine.
“Employers should be aware of these trends, especially during fall and winter months.”
Read more: Winter wellbeing: Top tips for supporting employees
SAD is a mental health condition that causes seasonal depression during either winter or summer and interferes with people’s lives.
The condition is three times more common among women than it is among men, the Royal College of Psychiatrists website explained, and is more common in places where it is dark in winter.
Gill noted that employers should ensure they can recognise the symptoms of SAD.
She added: “Employees with SAD might display mood changes such as irritability, fatigue, low energy, and difficulty engaging with colleagues.
“Managers and team leaders should be attentive to such changes. Offer training sessions for managers and employees to help them recognise the signs of SAD.
“Use emails, posters or intranet resources to distribute information about SAD. These materials can explain what SAD is, its common symptoms, and how it can affect work performance and wellbeing.”
Employers should ensure that their workplace culture encourages employees to speak about their mental health, Rebecca Holt, co-founder and director of workplace psychology provider Working Mindset, recommended.
Speaking to HR magazine, she said: “Like any other mental health condition, employers need to create a psychologically safe environment where people are able to open up about their mental health.
“When we see people in leadership positions modelling their vulnerability, and talking about their experiences without negative consequences, we are helping to tackle the stigma.”
While employees should be offered individual adjustments, Holt noted, HR could offer company-wide changes to support with SAD.
She continued: “It's about considering working practices and environments. So many workplaces have little access to natural sunlight. HR can promote greater flexibility so that people can work remotely or change their hours of working.”
Read more: A guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Light therapy could help employees experiencing SAD, which can be exacerbated by the amount of light, Gill noted.
“Ensure that workspaces are well-lit, with natural light whenever possible. Consider offering light therapy lamps (light boxes) in common areas or as part of accommodations for employees who need them.
“Encourage staff to take breaks outside, particularly during daylight hours. Encourage walking meetings or outdoor lunch breaks to expose employees to natural light and improve mood.”
Managers should also help employees with SAD manage their workload, Gill advised.
“When employees struggle with SAD, they may find it difficult to cope with high-stress projects or demanding workloads. Assign lower-stress or more collaborative tasks during the winter; this helps to increase social interaction, which can help counteract isolation and low mood.”
