5 easy ways to keep your workforce well this winter
As the days shorten, I feel my energy levels contract in line with the reduced daylight. This, I am assured is a normal response as our circadian rhythms adjust to the changing seasons - but as my days don't become any less filled, I have been looking to ways that can help maintain wellness throughout the winter months.
The following tips work, there is significant evidence to back them all up and as is my normal style - most are free or low cost and accessible to just about everyone.
Here is how you can apply them to the workplace to help your people stay well this winter:
1. Winter Immunity Vaccinations
Encouraging people to get their COVID booster and their flu jab this winter is probably one of the most practical and effective things you can do. Both Flu and COVID can affect anyone and are highly transmissible. Flu jabs in the UK this winter will lead to 30,000 fewer GP appointments, 2000 less people needing hospital care and 700 fewer deaths. The COVID booster is also highly effective at preventing serious disease, hospitalisation and death from COVID 19. Socialise the importance of these vaccines in the workplace and signpost people to reputable sources for more information.
2. Eat the Rainbow
During the winter months it is important to eat a good mix of fresh fruit and vegetables (eat the rainbow) to keep your immune system topped up and your energy levels maintained. In the workplace, you could offer free soup and fruit for lunch (if you have catering facilities) as this is a relatively low cost way to offer practical help, boost of goodness and will also make people feel cared for at work.
3. Light & Vitamin D
Access to natural light is crucial to our overall wellbeing. Even on an overcast day, you will benefit massively from time spent outside, even when your inner bear is encouraging you to hibernate. As our body usually absorbs Vitamin D from the sun's rays, in the winter natural absorption becomes more challenging. Adding a Vitamin D supplement to your diet (or offer free supplements to your workforce - really cheap) this winter may help reduce risk of developing depression and reduce unhealthy cravings for super-processed, high sugar and high fat foods.
4. Hydration
When it's cold your caffeine fix may seem even more appealing because it helps keep you warm. The shops also love to offer high calorie, high fat hot drinks at this time of year - but instead of opting for these on a regular basis - drink more tea. It has been proven to prevent some illnesses, builds up immunity and can stimulate your metabolism. Now who doesn't want all of that. Consider offering water stations at work, or fitting water taps with a filter to keep hydrated and productive all year round.
5. Community
Lastly - making the workplace feel like it has a heart is a key part of making it great. Involving your employees in community-based projects this winter will warm the cockles of even the steeliest of hearts this winter. Use your workplace as a coordination point for collections for food banks (never have been in such high demand) and Christmas focused collections. If you want to get employees out - let them volunteer for beach cleans, litter picks or anything that allows them to feel as though they are giving back. They’ll love you for giving them the opportunity to feel all warm and generous this winter and so will your local community - we can all do a little bit more to help others when they may be at their most vulnerable.
In Cornwall we have the brilliant Cornwall Christmas box that encourage people to fill a box with items to help make a local family's Christmas a bit brighter. Last year they collected 3600 very well needed boxes and distributed them to local families. We engaged people from various workplaces to take part - and it was a simple yet effective way to help people in our area. We are currently collecting for this year's campaign – find out more here: www.cornwallchristmasbox.co.uk
