According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is “a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year.” It is linked to a decrease in natural sunlight, which can disrupt internal body clocks, lower serotonin levels, and cause mood changes. It is estimated that 10 million Americans experience SAD, with another 10% to 20% experiencing a milder form of winter-related mood changes.
Symptoms of SAD may include:
- Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks
- Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
- Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness
- Having low energy and feeling sluggish
- Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
- Having difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Feeling hopeless, worthless or guilty
- Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes
- Physical aches or pains that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment
Employees with SAD may struggle with daily tasks or take longer to finish projects. Psychology Today reports that employees with SAD may be up to four times more likely to struggle with concentration, productivity, and increased absenteeism. They may find it difficult to maintain their usual output. Changes in mood and behavior can strain workplace relationships and affect team collaboration. Difficulty focusing may lead to mistakes that impact work quality, and in turn the company’s bottom line.
What can employers do? Spring Health, a digital mental health company, recommends the following:
- Maximize natural light: Encourage employees to take outdoor walks to increase vitamin D exposure and consider reorganizing office spaces to enhance natural light for those affected by SAD.
- Flexible work arrangements: Adapt work schedules to accommodate employees’ mental health needs, such as allowing remote work or flexible hours to maximize exposure to daylight.
- Wellness culture: Cultivate a workplace culture that promotes self-care and mental health awareness. This may involve wellness programs, healthy activity incentives, and onsite exercise equipment access.
- Encourage medical consultation: Advocate for employees to consult healthcare professionals regarding potential vitamin deficiencies that may worsen SAD symptoms, utilizing company health benefits to address these concerns.
- Normalize symptoms: Leverage internal communications to share information and personal stories about SAD to normalize what affected employees are experiencing.
- Mental health days: Foster an environment where mental health days are encouraged without stigma.
- Employee Assistance Plans (EAPs): Implement or promote EAPs that offer counseling and resources for various issues, including SAD. This can enhance disorder management and overall productivity.