Beating The New Year’s Blues
After the overindulgence of the Christmas and New Year period, it’s no wonder that for many, the return to work and the prospect of dodgy winter weather, motivation to get things done can be affected.
The connection between how employees feel and how an organisation performs is now beyond question. Anything that has a detrimental effect on employee engagement and productivity levels should most certainly be addressed.
Of course, we can’t change the fact that we have to get back to work or how the winter weather is going to be. If your people are turning up with the New Year’s blues, then organisations should look to boost the mood and lift spirits in the workplace, thus helping to increase employee engagement and productivity levels.
Here, we’re offering up a few fun ideas to put in place, to cheer your employees up, and allow them to put the festive season behind them.
Get a move on
Exercise is without a doubt, one of the best ways to get people feeling good and improve their health. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea though. But by introducing some simple, light, office-friendly exercises, perhaps by bringing in a fitness expert, you can get everyone moving for a while, releasing endorphins and lifting people’s moods.
Have a laugh
Humour is infectious. The sound of laughter is far more contagious than any cold. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and simple to instigate – try sharing jokes and funny anecdotes.
Change of scenery
Even in a great workspace, people’s moods can fall when the physical environment stays the same. Get your people out of the office once in a while to experience a totally unique and different activity, like volunteering for a day, trying out orienteering or a cookery class. While everyone is out, install new office furniture, new plants or even give the office a new ‘lick’ of paint. The return to a rejuvenated workplace may just be the spark you need to instantly improve mood and morale.
Massage a good mood back
When negative juices are flowing, a massage could be just the ‘ticket’. Help increase people’s mood by simply relaxing. There are numerous massage schools and thousands of massage therapists who do seated (all your clothes stay on!) massage in the workplace. They bring their special chair and employees get fast, but deeply satisfying shoulder and back massages during their breaks. A fabulous treat for any member of staff that sits at a computer all day. Guaranteed to elevate the mood!
X marks the spot
It’s not just kids that love a treasure hunt, admit it, we grown-ups do too, and you’re never too old to join in the fun. Why not set up a treasure hunt game in the office with clues to guide your employees along the way. Break staff members up into teams and have something enticing at “X marks the spot.”, which could be anything from small snacks and treats, fancy stationery, right up to gift vouchers or even some extra time off.
Whatever you choose to do in your organisation to lift people’s spirits, a bit of fun is essential.
The Survey Initiative is an award winning organisation with over 18 years expert experience in the field of employee research. We are passionate about what we do. If you would like more information about how we can help your organisation with employee engagement or any other employee research aspect, pick up the phone or contact us online.