The winter months can sometimes feel endless, with shorter days, colder weather, and the added challenge of staying motivated at work. But even as the darker season settles in, there are plenty of ways to boost team morale, increase positivity, and foster connection among colleagues.
Here are some ideas to beat the winter blues and create a thriving, connected team:
Create Laughter and Connection
Share Memories: Sharing the funniest or happiest memory you have had in the industry
Share Your Purpose: Take turns discussing why the work you do matters to you and the broader impact it has on the people you help.
TikTok Challenges: Organise fun TikTok challenges to get the team laughing and bonding over creative (and often silly) videos.
Laugh Challenges: Host a “try not to laugh” competition using funny clips.
Move Together
Step Challenges: Encourage movement by setting weekly team step goals.
Team Mini-Workouts: Stretch, do yoga, or Qigong.
Creative Meetings: Why not take these outside, walk and talk? When you return to the office have a cozy drink to warm you up.
Acts of Kindness
Give Back Activities: Plan a team day to volunteer at homeless shelters, schools, or community projects, creating a sense of purpose and togetherness.
Shout-Out Boards: Highlight acts of kindness or successes within the team on a shared board.
Sleep, Rest, Light and Music
Sleep: Share your tips on good sleep practices.
Quiet Spaces: Establish a calming, screen-free zone for restorative breaks.
The Gift of Time: Offering early finish time on Friday when you have had a challenging week.
Light Therapy: Purchase SAD lamps for desks at work or send them to your remote workers. Encourage employees to sit closer to the window where possible, ensuring blinds are open to let in as much as possible.
Music: Add music to your office, music can be a great way to lift your mood.
Hydrate and Nourish Together
Water: In the winter months we tend to drink more tea and coffee, and encourage team members to get their 1.5 litres in a day. You can have warm water with fresh lemon.
Mood Boosting Food Days: Bring in nutritious snacks to share with colleagues.
Mindfulness as a Team
Guided Meditation Sessions: Start meetings with short, calming practices. This can be as simple as a few deep, slow breaths.
Gratitude Rounds: Share moments of gratitude during team gatherings.
Celebrate Wins—Big and Small
Challenges to Win Early Fridays: Motivate the team with challenges that reward productivity, such as finishing early on Fridays.
Victory Wall: Encourage team members to display their wins for recognition.
Get Outside Together
Outdoor Team Building: Organise outdoor events like a group hike or nature cleanup.
Christmas Wreath Making: Combine creativity with the outdoors by gathering seasonal foliage for festive wreaths.
Foster Inspiration and Positivity
Motivational Mondays: Share inspirational quotes, books, or podcasts to kick-start the week.
Idea’s Workshop: Get your team thinking of new business ideas. Bring them together to plan for 2025 and see how you could achieve this together.
Essential Oil Workshop: Host a workshop to learn about mood-boosting oils that promote relaxation and positivity.
Fun Winter Activities
Seasonal Photo Challenges: Snap cosy or nature-filled winter photos to share with the team.
Baking Challenges: Add some friendly competition with festive-themed baking contests.
Make a Reindeer Challenge: We did this last year; many laughs were had. Thanks Posy, great idea!
Festive Cocktail Making: Including non-alcoholic versions can foster a more diverse team.
These small activities can make a real difference to someone who may be having a difficult week, they also create a space of joy, connection, and creativity. This blog was inspired by and written for Laura Severn, an employer who puts wellness and the care for her team first, connect with Laura today on LinkedIn