January can be a tough month for many of us. The festive buzz has faded, the days are still short and dark, inboxes are full, and motivation can feel… well, a little thin on the ground. For employers and HR teams, this time of year often brings a familiar challenge: how to keep morale, engagement and energy levels up when the January Blues kick in. That’s why having a strong employee wellbeing strategy is essential.
A thoughtful, people-first approach to wellbeing can help employees feel supported, valued and motivated during one of the most difficult months of the year. So, what exactly are the January Blues, why do employees experience them, and what can employers realistically do to help?
What are the January Blues?
The January Blues (sometimes called the post-holiday slump) describe the dip in mood and motivation that many people experience after the festive season especially with 20% of people showing signs of depression during the winter. While not a clinical condition, it’s a very real phenomenon that can affect productivity, wellbeing and engagement at work.
Employees may be coming back from time off feeling refreshed only to quickly feel overwhelmed by:
- A heavy workload waiting for them
- Financial pressure after the holidays
- Cold weather and lack of daylight
- A long stretch before the next break or holiday
- Pressure to “start the year strong” before they feel ready
All of this can add up, making January a critical time to lean into your employee wellbeing strategy rather than pushing full steam ahead.
Common signs employees may be struggling in January
You might notice:
- Lower motivation or engagement
- Increased sick days or short-notice absences – Absenteeism can rise by nearly 20% in January
- Reduced productivity or creativity
- Low energy, fatigue or burnout symptoms
- Employees seeming quieter or more withdrawn than usual
These signals don’t mean your team isn’t committed, they often mean people need a little extra support and understanding.
How employers can support wellbeing during the January Blues
The good news? You don’t need a complete overhaul to make a meaningful difference. Small, thoughtful changes can go a long way in strengthening your employee wellbeing strategy and helping people feel genuinely supported.
1. Offer an extra layer of flexibility
January is a great time to revisit flexible working arrangements. Whether it’s flexible start and finish times, hybrid working options, or compressed hours where possible, flexibility helps employees balance energy levels, childcare, fitness and mental health needs especially during darker winter months.
2. Celebrate small wins (they matter more than you think)
January can feel like a slog, so acknowledging progress, even small achievements, can lift spirits. A quick team shout-out, a thank-you message from a manager, or highlighting wins in a team meeting can reinforce purpose and momentum early in the year.
3. Promote physical and mental wellness
Encourage healthy habits without pressure. This could include:
- Sharing mental health resources or EAP reminders
- Promoting wellbeing days or mental health breaks
- Encouraging movement during the workday, such as short walks or stretch breaks
- Hosting optional wellness sessions like mindfulness, stress management or sleep workshops
When wellbeing is openly talked about, employees are more likely to engage with it.
4. Lighten the load where possible
January doesn’t always need to be “all systems go.” If workloads can be eased, deadlines staggered, or non-urgent projects paused, it can reduce pressure during a sensitive period. Even small adjustments show empathy and awareness.
5. Add small “pick-me-up” moments
Little gestures can have a big impact on morale. A coffee on the company, a team lunch, or a small reward can brighten a grey January day. Many businesses use gift cards or experience-based rewards as flexible treats that employees can enjoy when it suits them, giving them something positive to look forward to beyond the working week.
6. Set motivating (and realistic) goals
January goal-setting doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on clear, achievable objectives that help employees feel confident and motivated. Encourage teams to break goals into manageable steps and celebrate progress rather than perfection.
7. Invest in soft skills and development
Offering training sessions in areas like communication, resilience, leadership or time management can help employees feel supported in their personal growth not just their output. Development opportunities show long-term commitment to your people, which is a key pillar of any effective employee wellbeing strategy.
8. Encourage regular check-ins and conversations
Perhaps the most important tip of all: talk to your people. Encourage managers to have regular, informal check-ins that go beyond task updates. A simple “How are you doing, really?” can open the door to honest conversations and early support.
9. Use automation to reduce admin fatigue
If there’s an opportunity to streamline processes or automate repetitive tasks, January is a great time to do it. Reducing admin burden frees up time and mental space, something employees truly appreciate when energy is low.
Looking ahead: wellbeing as a year-round priority
While January is a key pressure point, the most successful businesses treat wellbeing as a continuous focus not a one-month initiative. A well-thought-out employee wellbeing strategy helps build resilience, trust and engagement throughout the year, starting with how you show up for your people when motivation is hardest to find.
At Virgin Incentives, we believe meaningful rewards, experiences and moments of recognition can play a powerful role in supporting wellbeing, especially during challenging periods like the January Blues. When employees feel valued and motivated, they’re far more likely to stay engaged for the long term.
If you’re reviewing your employee wellbeing strategy for 2026 and looking for new ways to motivate, reward and support your people, we’re here to help. Get in touch with our friendly team below to find out how we can help:
