Blue Monday: Why it’s more important than ever to check in with employees

Blue Monday falls on the third Monday in January every year.

The day is said to be the most depressing 24 hours in the calendar, according to Cardiff University psychologist Cliff Arnall, who coined the concept in 2005 after analysing data like weather reports, consumer surveys and divorce filings.

Blue Monday 2023 looks set to be even more difficult as people struggle financially as the cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze households.

Wages have grown to a 30-year high, but still fall well short of the current inflation rate, which stands at 10.6%.

Research from Breakroom shows that the primary reason people leave their job is to get better pay.

The community-powered job platform surveyed its community of over 430,000 UK shift workers to understand why workers are leaving in their notice. 37% said they changed because they wanted a pay increase, better shift management/more flexibility (24%), less stress/improve their mental well-being (21%), and to feel more respected by management (9%).

Read more: Online vacancies decline to pre-pandemic levels

Anna Maybank, Co-Founder and CEO of Breakroom, said: “Blue Monday is often referred to as the most depressing day of the year. The festive season is over, the weather is cold, the nights are long, and, this year, the cost-of-living crisis is pushing up costs but not necessarily pay.

“This generation of job seekers is not only comparing pay and hours but looking at a range of factors including, flexibility, stress and do they feel valued by their employer.”

The Breakroom’s research also revealed that over two-thirds (68%) of shift workers admit to suffering the January Blues and finding their job less enjoyable than they did before Christmas. 

Read more: Is pay transparency coming to Britain?

Noelle Murphy, Senior HR insights editor, at XpertHR, said that employees face another “bleak” 12 months marked by economic turmoil, which will inevitably take its toll on wellbeing, both mental and financial.

“This January will be particularly difficult for many financially following the expense of Christmas, resulting in high stress, and for many, the bluest of all Blue Mondays.

“It is vital that employers remain vigilant in recognising the warning signs and symptoms of staff struggling with their mental health. The accumulative effect of the pandemic and now, the cost-of-living crisis will leave even the most resilient employees vulnerable to mental health challenges. 

“Checking-in regularly with employees is key to picking up early signs of mental ill health, and crucial to this is people managers driving frank, honest, empathetic and open conversations about employees’ mental health and wellbeing.

“These conversations can only be effective, however, if supported by a workplace culture in which employees can be forthcoming with speaking about their mental health and feel encouraged and supported if they do need to ask for help.

“Leaders must communicate regularly with their employees about all levels of mental wellbeing support on offer – where specific programmes are not on offer, simply offering clear signposting to external bodies can be effective to support their team and ensure they are in a position to do their job to the best of their ability.”

Recent research by insurance company Unum UK revealed that nearly a fifth of the UK workforce plan to look for new jobs in 2023 with higher salaries or better employee benefits to help combat the cost-of-living crisis.