Winter wellbeing: Why looking after your team is good business

As we settle into the colder months, it’s not just the weather that changes. Workplaces often face an uptick in illness, absenteeism, and general fatigue. For employers, winter can quietly test your systems, policies, and team culture. Now’s the time to get ahead of it.

Workplace wellbeing isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a business advantage. When your people feel well-supported physically and mentally they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay. But supporting wellbeing during winter takes more than a bowl of fruit in the breakroom.

Illness spreads fast, so should good systems

Coughs and colds don’t just disrupt individuals, they can impact entire teams. Whether you’re running a small office or managing multiple sites, it’s worth asking:

• Do your staff feel comfortable taking time off when they’re unwell?
• Are your sick leave policies clear, and actually being used?
• Do you promote hygiene practices like handwashing, cleaning shared surfaces, and using tissues?
• Is there enough ventilation and fresh air in shared spaces?

Encouraging people to ‘push through’ when they’re sick might keep them at their desks, but it can also increase the risk of transmission, prolong recovery, and lower overall team morale. A culture that prioritises health is one that prevents downtime, rather than reacting to it.

Don’t overlook mental wellbeing

Shorter days and darker mornings can affect energy, focus, and mood. Stress, burnout, and seasonal blues can quietly build over time, especially when workloads stay high.

Now’s a good time to:

• Check in with your team, formally or informally
• Encourage regular breaks and discourage excessive overtime
• Offer flexibility where possible, including remote work or adjusted hours
• Make sure people know where to find support if they need it

Mental wellbeing doesn’t always require large-scale programmes. It starts with open conversations, clear expectations, and a workplace culture that values balance.

Review, reset, and refine your approach

It’s easy for policies to drift or go unused, especially if they’ve been copied over year to year without a fresh look. Winter is a great time to review the foundations of your health and safety approach. Ask:

• Are our wellbeing policies fit for purpose in 2025?
• Do they reflect the way our teams actually work today?
• Are we actively promoting them, or just filing them away?

Even small updates like adding signage to remind people about hygiene or updating your sick leave communications can show your commitment and make a difference.

Stronger teams start with smarter systems
If you’re not sure where to start, or want a fresh perspective on your current approach, we can help.

Talk to the WorkingWise team about practical steps to support winter wellbeing.