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- Supporting Employees with Seasonal Affective Disorder
Supporting Employees with Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Employer advice
Ikram Mohamed, Principal Health & Safety Advisor
(Last updated )
Ikram Mohamed, Principal Health & Safety Advisor
(Last updated )
In many parts of Canada, the bleak winter months bring darker, shorter days and frigid, icy temperatures. Although the change in weather may impact everyone’s mood negatively, for some, the winter blues can lead to significant mental health challenges.
In the workplace, you’ll encounter employees suffering from the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression. Staff who experience SAD may show a change in mood and behaviour, such as increased irritability, sadness, low energy levels, or difficulties with concentration. By being aware of the symptoms of SAD, employers can recognize employees who need their support and provide the resources they need in the workplace.
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a
type of seasonal depression
that occurs in the fall or winter. It can affect individuals due to reduced light exposure and other factors. Without proper support, SAD symptoms can significantly impact workplace performance.
What causes SAD?
There are several factors that can contribute to the onset of Seasonal Affective Disorder. These include:
Reduced sunlight exposure
Biological clock disruptions
Mood-regulating neurotransmitter imbalances
Melatonin production changes
Vitamin D deficiency
Psychosocial factors
Reduced sunlight exposure:
Limited exposure to natural sunlight during winter can disrupt the
body's internal clock
and is strongly linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Biological clock disruption:
Changes in circadian rhythms and melatonin production during the darker months can lead to fluctuating sleep patterns and mood disturbances.
Serotonin levels:
Reduced sunlight may lead to lower serotonin levels, affecting mood and
contributing to SAD
.
What are common symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder?
Employers should be aware of the signs that may indicate an employee is experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder. Recognizing symptoms such as low mood, lack of energy, irritability, and feelings of worthlessness can help managers provide timely support.
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities.
Lack of energy or fatigue.
Irritability.
Difficulty concentrating
Changes in sleep patterns and appetite
Weight gain or loss
Social withdrawal
How to support employees with seasonal affective disorder?
Workplace strategies to support employees with SAD
Here are some strategies employers can use to help employees with SAD:
Raise awareness of seasonal depression
You can send out emails, company newsletters, flyers, or internal communication that includes helpful information and resources on how to cope with seasonal depression. Provide literature on SAD, how it can impact a person’s mental health, and offer information on where employees can find support, such as your EAP program, or counselling helplines.
Offer flexible work arrangements
Consider offering a flexible work schedule that allows employees to maximize exposure to natural light during daylight hours. You can also offer employees affected by SAD remote work so they can perform their tasks in comfortable environments and while at peak energy levels.
Provide well-lit workspaces and light therapy
Create well-lit workspaces in your business that let in natural light during the winter months. For remote workers, you can encourage them to work in places with access to natural light. Also, consider providing lightboxes to employees that mimic natural sunlight. Light therapy, or phototherapy, can help regulate the body's circadian rhythms and improve mood.
Run wellness workshops and programs
Implement wellness programs that focus on mental health. Alternatively, you can update existing programs to include mental health-related components. This could include virtual fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, workshops on stress management, or guest speakers and webinars that provide education on mental health topics.
Encourage breaks and exercise
Promote regular breaks and exercises to prevent employee burnout. Consider offering discounted gym memberships or organizing group exercise sessions that can be held virtually or onsite.
Train your managers
Provide training for managers on recognizing the signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder and how to support employees with depression. Equip your managers with resources and guidance on how they can approach employees on topics related to mental health and discuss those issues in a non-judgemental manner.
Organize social or virtual events
If you have an office-based or hybrid team, social outings can be a good way to boost morale and help your staff bond. For remote workers, you can schedule virtual events and regular one-on-one check-ins. This will help keep them engaged at work and feel connected to the team.
Offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
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Offer your workers Employee Assistance Programs
that provide mental health resources, counselling, and support services. It’s important to communicate the availability of these services in your workplace so employees know how to access them when needed.
Key takeaways
Supporting employees with Seasonal Affective Disorder is crucial for morale, productivity, and overall mental health. Employers can help by providing flexible arrangements, promoting resources, and encouraging open communication around mental well-being.
Do you need help creating a workplace mental health policy?
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Peninsula’s HR experts
can help you create policies that support your employees' mental health and well-being in the workplace. To learn more about how our services can help your business, call us today at
1 (833) 247-3652
.
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