How to Beat the January Blues in your Office

Boosting morale after the Christmas break – dreading the task or is it a piece of cake?

For many, January is the month of misery. It’s cold, dark and raining, you’re on a diet, and don’t even think about looking at that credit card bill…

At Gotcha, we’re not into sitting around moping, so here’s our guide to beating the January blues and getting the most out of your staff at the start of the year.

1. Boosting morale? Do something different

Coming back into the office after the Christmas break is like coming back to reality with the realisation that nothing’s changed. All those tasks you were putting off in December are waiting for you. Even if you’re managing to stick to your new diet or exercise programme, it becomes boring way before you see any results. So, do something different. Shift the desks around, implement flexible working or look at training courses for your staff. Maybe even organise a company social evening. Use your imagination and get input from everyone else.

2. Help others worse off than you.

Sign up for a company fund-raiser. Choose a charity that has the support of everyone and collectively sign up for a challenge. You’ll be able to focus on something other than work, it’ll help to promote team spirit and, if it’s something like running, you’ll all get fit together.

3. ‘Take-a-break’ month.

For one month, tell everyone that they must take a lunch break and tea breaks away from their desks. Discourage staying late. The average working week in the UK is just over 43 hours – but study after study shows that working shorter hours promotes productivity. Give your staff a break and they’ll be happier, healthier and get more done.

4. Celebrate the good.

Work isn’t just a way to pay the bills. If you’ve recruited on values as well as qualification, then your staff should get personal satisfaction out of company ‘wins’. Make sure they know about them – crack open the champagne if you’ve met those targets or won that order.

5. Set a good example.

If you’re walking around with a face longer than the M6, you can’t expect your staff to look happy. Company morale is set from the top. So, please, try to look happy…