How to have a happier Blue Monday

As the UK faces the notorious Blue Monday - so-called the most depressing day of the year - new research suggests that many employees are grappling with a sense of under-appreciation in the workplace. A report from Reward Gateway | Edenred reveals that UK workers report lower levels of workplace appreciation compared to their counterparts in the United States and Australia.

The Appreciation Index, part of a broader analysis into employee experience, found UK employees garnered the lowest scores, registering just 61.8 out of 100. This ranks below both the US and Australia, which scored 66.3 and 66.8 respectively, as well as the global average of 65. The findings shed light on the critical role appreciation plays not only in employee morale but also in workplace productivity and overall business success.

A staggering 88% of respondents indicated that they work harder when they feel appreciated. Other notable effects of workplace appreciation included increased engagement (91%), job satisfaction (92%), and loyalty to their employers (88%). Moreover, a significant 73% of employees reported a willingness to take on extra work when they felt valued.

The timing of these results is particularly telling, as January is known for a spike in job-seeking behaviour. The report highlights that a majority of employees actively explore new job opportunities at the start of the year, with activity on review platforms like Glassdoor spiking by as much as 55%. The lack of appreciation may be contributing to this trend, especially as employees seek environments where they feel recognised for their contributions.

Nebel Crowhurst, Chief Appreciation Officer at Reward Gateway, pointed to a concerning trend where women and those working for larger organisations report feeling particularly undervalued. Crowhurst stated, “Making an employee feel appreciated, whether through benefits or simply verbal recognition, has the potential to benefit businesses exponentially and may be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost productivity and morale.”

With rising living costs and tightening budgets affecting many organisations, the report suggests that fostering a culture of appreciation could be a viable strategy for retaining staff and enhancing productivity without incurring significant costs. Many appreciation initiatives, particularly around managerial recognition, can be implemented at little or no expense to employers.

As the gloom of Blue Monday settles in, UK employees may find it even more challenging if they feel their efforts go unnoticed. Employers keen to avert potential turnover and disengagement would do well to heed the findings of this report, recognising that a little appreciation could lead to substantial returns both for employee satisfaction and business success.