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The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday and is considered the darkest day of the year. As the holiday season comes to an end, many employees are exhausted, financially strained and facing the daunting prospect of returning to work. But rather than turning this day into a symbol of gloom, organizations can use it as a catalyst to rethink and strengthen their mental health strategies. Dr. Rodrigo Rodríguez Fernández, global health and mental health advisor at International SOS, sheds light on the challenges employees are facing during this time. This is the tipping point of fatigue, chronic stress and burnout. While financial pressure from bills increases after the holidays, some may still be struggling with the effects of the holidays. "
Even before the pandemic and recent global crises, employees were becoming more committed to mental health and support. However, events in recent years have heightened these demands and made it necessary for organizations to respond proactively. Worker demand for more mental health and wellbeing support in the workplace had already been rising steadily before a number of recent crises. This existing process has become even more urgent with the experience of burnout and fatigue caused by the crisis. Instead of viewing Blue Monday as a symbol of poor morale, companies can turn Blue Monday into an opportunity to promote employee well-being. This day is a timely reminder for leaders to take stock of existing mental health efforts and explore new ways to create a supportive environment.
Blue Monday provides organizations with a timely opportunity to assess and strengthen their mental health efforts in the workplace. When employees feel supported and empowered when it comes to their mental health, they are likely to be more engaged, focused and able to excel in their roles. Creating a workplace where mental health is a priority takes more than occasional check-ins and annual workshops. This requires creating a safe psychosocial environment where employees feel valued and supported. From conducting stress management workshops to introducing flexible work models, companies can take concrete steps to combat burnout and promote well-being. Organizations that recognize this and prioritize creating a psychosocially safe work environment, from offering stress management workshops to flexible work arrangements, are not only doing the right thing, they are also making a strategic investment in their employees.
When organizations actively support mental health, the benefits extend beyond the individual employee. Healthy and committed employees are more productive, innovative and flexible and help companies achieve long-term success. This Blue Monday, let’s reframe the story. Instead of a sad day, remind your employees to prioritize their mental health and create a work environment where employees can thrive. In this way, we can reverse the burnout trend and create a future where people and organizations thrive.
