How to Support Employees with Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that often emerges during the darker months of the year, typically in autumn and winter.

Studies show that SAD affects 2-8% of the total population in Europe, with varying rates depending on location and exposure to daylight. For example, 9.7% of people in Netherlands experience SAD, a rate significantly higher than in Southern European countries. With reduced daylight hours and colder weather, individuals may experience symptoms such as fatigue, low mood, and decreased productivity.

In the workplace, SAD can compound the usual stress of winter’s heavier workloads, particularly in industries where the end of the year is busier. Therefore, it’s essential for employers to understand the impact of SAD and implement strategies to support employees who may be struggling with this condition.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a form of depression triggered by changes in season, especially as daylight hours diminish. It typically affects individuals during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. The lack of sunlight can disrupt the body’s internal clock and reduce the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood. Symptoms of SAD include persistent feelings of sadness or depression, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep patterns, and loss of interest in usual activities. For employees experiencing SAD, these symptoms can affect their work performance, productivity, and overall well-being.

Understanding what seasonal affective disorder is and how it manifests can help employers create supportive environments where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges.

How to spot Seasonal Affective Disorder in employees

Identifying SAD in employees can be challenging, as symptoms often overlap with general feelings of stress or exhaustion. However, there are a few key signs to look for:

Increased absenteeism: Employees with SAD may take more sick days than usual due to feelings of fatigue or low energy.
Decreased productivity: SAD can impair concentration and motivation, leading to reduced performance or a drop in output.
Changes in mood: Employees may seem more withdrawn, irritable, or less engaged in workplace activities.
Sleep issues: Some employees may report oversleeping or finding it difficult to get out of bed in the morning.

Recognising these signs early allows employers to take proactive steps to support affected employees and help mitigate the negative impacts of SAD in the workplace.

How employers can support employees

It is important for employers to understand that SAD is considered a form of depression, and in extreme cases, it can lead to serious symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness or even increased suicidality. Supporting mental health in the workplace, particularly for those with seasonal affective disorder, requires a thoughtful approach. By offering resources, flexibility, and encouragement, employers can help employees manage their symptoms and maintain their well-being. Here are several strategies that can be effective:

1. Provide flexible working

One of the most effective ways to support employees with SAD is by offering flexible working arrangements. Allowing employees to adjust their work hours to maximize exposure to natural daylight can help alleviate symptoms. Remote work or flexible start times enable employees to engage in mood-boosting activities like morning walks or outdoor breaks during daylight hours. Additionally, allowing employees to work from home reduces the strain of commuting during darker, colder months, which can contribute to exhaustion and low mood.

2. Organise social events

Social isolation can exacerbate feelings of depression and fatigue for individuals with SAD. Organising workplace social events provides employees with opportunities to connect and build a sense of community. These events can be low-pressure and casual, such as coffee mornings or lunchtime walks, helping employees break the monotony and increase social interaction. Fostering these social connections can go a long way in reducing the emotional burden associated with SAD.

3. Train mental health first aiders

Having trained mental health first aiders in the workplace ensures that there are dedicated individuals who can offer immediate support to employees showing signs of distress. Mental health first aiders are trained to recognise the signs of SAD and can provide guidance on how to seek professional help or manage symptoms. By investing in mental health training, employers demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing and create a more supportive, open work environment.

4. Provide products for light therapy

Light therapy is a common treatment for seasonal affective disorder, as it helps compensate for the reduced exposure to natural sunlight. Employers can provide access to light therapy lamps or encourage employees to use them at work. These lamps mimic natural sunlight and can help boost serotonin levels, improving mood and energy. Making light therapy available in break rooms or quiet areas can offer employees a quick, accessible way to manage their symptoms while at work.

5. Raise awareness & share resources about SAD

Raising awareness about Seasonal Affective Disorder in the workplace is crucial to reducing stigma and encouraging employees to seek help. Employers can organse workshops, share articles, and distribute resources that explain what SAD is and how it affects individuals. Additionally, providing tips on how to deal with seasonal depression—such as staying active, practicing mindfulness, or seeking professional help—can empower employees to take proactive steps in managing their mental health.

6. Offer an EAP

Offering an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is one of the most valuable resources employers can provide to support employees with SAD. EAPs offer confidential counseling and mental health services, giving employees access to professional support for managing their symptoms. This support is especially vital for employees who face additional challenges due to relocating to new environments. For instance, expat employees moving from warmer climates to regions with shorter days and colder months may struggle with the sudden seasonal changes, exacerbating their symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder. In such cases, employers can provide access to services like CareConnect, which offers multilingual support in 30 languages. By catering to employees across different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, CareConnect ensures that everyone has access to the mental health resources they need, 24/7, regardless of location or language barriers.

By linking employees to the right services, employers can help them navigate the challenges of SAD and maintain their overall wellbeing throughout the year. If you want to learn more about how an EAP can support your employees dealing with SAD, or if you’re interested in CareConnect’s 24/7 multilingual support, please get in touch with us.