Fact Service (January 2018)

Issue 3

Blue Monday how I hate Blue Monday


Monday 15 January is Blue Monday — claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. More than two-fifths (42%) of respondents believe that winter has a negative effect on their mental wellbeing, according to research by workplace consultants Peldon Rose.


Its survey of 500 UK office-based employees also found that 45% of respondents feel that winter adversely affects their motivation, while 34% think the colder weather impacts their productivity.


The survey also found that half (50%) of employees state that winter adversely affects their mood, with 35% identifying themselves as suffering, or having suffered, from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).


Nine out of 10 employees (94%) say that exposure to natural light is important to their wellbeing.


Mental wellbeing was highlighted by many as essential in the workplace. Some 92% of employees say that social spaces are valuable to help them get away from the desk.


www.peldonrose.com/insights/features/how-to-beat-blue-monday-sickies-and-sad


This information is copyright to the Labour Research Department (LRD) and may not be reproduced without the permission of the LRD.