It is common to face many days of darkness during winter. This often affects our mood, which is heavily affected by the cold temperatures of the season, the lack of sunlight, causing unstable mood and lack of motivation. These are some of the symptoms of what we call ‘seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD). According to a UK research, one in three people suffer from the disorder every year. But what exactly is SAD, what are the symptoms, and how can we combat it at work?
What does SAD mean?
SAD is a depression provoked by the lack of sunlight and darker days. It is associated with the late autumn and winter months. This occurs when your body’s internal clock and your brain and body’s chemicals all change. Some people class it as ‘the winter blues’ and it’s most common between 18–30-year-olds. Females are also most likely to be affected, but anyone of any gender or age can suffer from the disorder.
SAD: What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms can include:
- Sleep issues — normally oversleeping and struggling to stay awake
- Overeating — particularly carbohydrates and sweet foods
- A persistent low mood
- Loss of motivation
- Being lethargic
- Lack of interest in activities which were previously enjoyable
- Depression
- Increased anxiety
- Weakened immune system
- Social issues, including withdrawal from social situations
How Can It Impact our Workplace?
Often, our nation tends to complain about the weather both in winter and summer. Research has found that the public misses the idea of ‘having a job for life’ and four in 10 of us feel they have a poor work/life balance. Although we do complain all-year round, we tend to take more sickness leave in the winter months. Brits have claimed to feel under the weather in two out of every five days during the winter months.
Software firm CharlieHR reported that January is the month where people get sick the most. Staggeringly, the number of sick days recorded in the first month of the year is 53 per cent above the average of the other 11 months. The Office for National Statistics says that the main causes include coughs, colds, stress, depression, and anxiety. A lot of this could be assigned to the impact of seasonal affective disorder.
But SAD isn’t only about sick days. Research has found that more than half of British workers are significantly less productive during the winter months. Aspects such as darker and gloomy night making it harder to concentrate and the view from the office being less inspiring when it’s dark outside have been blamed for the lack of motivation.
Battling SAD in the Workplace
By collaborating, employers and staff can combat SAD in the workplace. Laurence Olins, former Chairman of British Fruits, previously stated that companies should provide more fruit for their workers: He said: “More employers could encourage their staff to adopt a healthier diet, providing greater access to fruit in the office to prevent people reaching for sugary confectionery, particularly in these cold winter months. Eating healthily shouldn’t feel like a chore and snacking on fruits like berries can help with food cravings during the day due to their natural sweetness”.
Alternatively, supplements can significantly help those who suffer from SAD at work. Pharma Nord’s Senior Nutritionist, Frankie Brogan, insists that supplements will improve productivity and morale. “Supplements are a great way to boost your team’s health and nutrition, which will in turn enhance their performance. By offering supplements to your colleagues, they will also benefit from the knowledge that you care for their well-being.”
As an example, magnesium supplements could play a part in helping to stabilise serotonin and melatonin levels, which play a major role in mood balance. Statistics also reveal that at least one in five of the brits suffer from a lack of vitamin D3 in their diet, a number that peeks during winter. By upping vitamin intake, employees will benefit from the reduced risk of a faltering immune system during the winter months. “Vitamin D does an excellent job of supporting our immune systems, making supplements an important consideration,” added Brogan.
Incentives such as flexible working hours and the work from home policies can help those who suffer from SAD. With December and January in the UK average just eight hours of day light — the same time period as the usual working day — many find themselves commuting to and from work in darkness. By offering flexible shifts or remote working, people may benefit from being able to get out when it is still light.
It is recommended to make changes to improve the workplace in winter. This will not only help those suffering SAD but can even increase productivity.
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