Why January is the perfect time for you to prioritise your employee wellbeing

January is often a time for resolutions and goal setting, but it can also be an incredibly difficult month for many people.

After the excitement of the festive season, returning to work can feel challenging. With Blue Monday (supposedly the most depressing day of the year) and the increase in Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) due to the lack of daylight, it’s not surprising that a lot of us feel a bit down in the dumps and lacking in motivation.

This is exactly why January offers the perfect opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to focus on employee health and wellbeing and implement initiatives that will support and empower your people to thrive in the months ahead.

Practical ways to prioritise employee wellbeing

When it comes to workplace wellbeing, small changes can go a long way. According to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), 70% of SME leaders recognise the link between prioritising employee health and achieving better business outcomes. Here are a few simple, yet impactful, steps you can take to support your employees:

• Start with open communication: Encourage regular one-to-ones and team catch-ups where people feel comfortable discussing their workload, challenges, and successes. Sometimes, just being heard can make a world of difference.
• Promote healthy habits: Share reminders about the importance of taking breaks, getting fresh air, and staying hydrated. You could even introduce small incentives for healthy habits, like wellbeing challenges that get the team moving.
• Celebrate achievements: Whether it’s completing a project or simply making it through a tough week, acknowledging wins—big or small—can help lift morale and build a sense of camaraderie.

By taking simple, cost-effective steps, you can build a workplace where employees feel supported and engaged. However, smaller businesses often face resource constraints, making it difficult to sustain meaningful initiatives. That’s why affordable, accessible solutions are needed to bridge the gap and support your team’s wellbeing.

Help is at hand… with Medigold Health Protect!

At Medigold Health, we understand the unique challenges SMEs face when it comes to looking after their teams. That’s why we created Medigold Health Protect.

Our Protect package brings together both preventative and reactive support services.

Here’s what’s included:

• Access to experienced Occupational Health doctors and nurses, via remote consultations or face-to-face appointments.
• New starter health screenings to ensure your team begins their journey with you on the right foot.
• On-demand access to clinical support when you need it most.
• A rich library of wellbeing materials developed by qualified psychologists.
• An NHS-approved mental health and wellbeing app, offering tools and resources to support your team’s emotional resilience.

All of this is available through a simple, affordable annual subscription, making it easier than ever to boost the mental and physical wellbeing of your employees.

Keen to learn more? Click here for more information and to get in touch.

“The support in mental health and wellbeing alone deserves five stars! Let alone all the other services offered!”

–Amar Kaursingh, Brooklands College