Boosting Winter Mindset at Work: Practical Tools for Colder Days

When the days get darker and the pressure rises, it's no surprise that winter can feel like a slog — especially in fast-paced, high-risk environments like construction, rail and logistics.

For many employees, winter brings more than just cold hands. It can affect energy levels, concentration, sleep, mood, and even motivation. And for those already under pressure at work or home, the season can add an extra layer of stress.

So how can workplaces support a healthier mindset through the winter months?

We recently shared a Winter Mindset poster with our wellbeing champion community — and we’re now making it more widely available. Below, we’ve expanded on the practical tips featured in the poster, so you can use them in your own teams or internal campaigns.

Why winter can hit harder at work

Let’s be honest — it’s not just the temperature. Shorter daylight hours, reduced time outdoors, the year-end workload, and rising financial pressures can all affect how people feel and function at work.

And in male-dominated industries, this can be made harder by an “all or nothing” culture — where struggling in silence is still common, and the language around mental health may be limited.

Creating a psychologically safe space — where small check-ins and human conversations are the norm — can make all the difference.

Six ways to support a healthier mindset this winter

Reframe how we think about winter

Winter doesn’t just have to be something we “get through.” It can also bring things we often miss during busier times — rest, reflection, routine.

• Encourage teams to get outdoors in daylight hours
• Promote realistic routines and proper breaks
• Help people pace themselves instead of pushing through

A small shift in mindset can have a big impact on energy, outlook and resilience.

Kindness goes both ways

Small, genuine acts of kindness can lift morale — whether that’s checking in with a colleague, making someone a brew, or offering encouragement at the end of a tough shift.

Self-compassion matters too. Remind teams it’s okay to say “I’m not 100% today” and to treat themselves with the same patience they’d offer a mate.

Savour the small wins

In the winter rush, it’s easy to miss the good moments. But pausing to notice something positive — a job well done, a laugh on site, a quiet moment — can help people reconnect to what matters.

• Encourage teams to share small wins or gratitude
• Try a “highlight of the day” board or tool talk icebreaker

These things might sound simple, but they’re powerful mood-lifters.

Keep people connected

When stress increases, people often withdraw. And that isolation can increase risk — not just mentally, but physically too, especially in high-hazard environments.

• Make time for informal conversations
• Promote buddy systems and team lunches
• Role-model openness from the top down

Connection boosts trust, safety and performance.

Help people focus on what matters

Many people feel pressure to “do it all” at this time of year — gifts, events, overtime. That can lead to burnout before Christmas even begins.

Why not encourage a values-based approach to the season?

• Ask: “What do you want this season to mean for you?”
• Focus on time, not just money
• Prioritise meaningful connection over perfection

Download the Winter Mindset poster

We originally created this resource for our wellbeing champion network, but it’s now available for all clients and partners.

It’s ideal for noticeboards, toolbox talks, or winter wellbeing campaigns.

Download the Winter Mindset poster

Let’s make winter just a little bit lighter

Supporting your teams doesn’t have to mean grand gestures. It’s often the small, consistent things that build trust, boost morale and keep people feeling connected.

And when people feel looked after, they’re more likely to look after each other — and the job at hand.

Want to chat about how to support your teams through winter — or what a wellbeing strategy could look like in 2026?

We’re always happy to share ideas, resources, or a quick conversation to point you in the right direction.

Barrie