A depressing start to the year?
Dated: 16/01/2010
Monday 18 January 2010 has been named 'Blue Monday' - reportedly the most depressing day of the year - and it's quickly followed by National Sickie Day on Monday 1st February 2010 which, according to more research, will be the worst day for absenteeism of the year.
According to Eugene Farrell, chairman of EAPA, the reasons behind these two, quite depressing days seem reasonable. There's the combination of the post Christmas gloom, the short days, low morale within many organisations and the realisation among employees that it's a very long way until the summer holidays! There's also the impact of the snow and wintry weather we're having at the moment that means many employees think it's easier to opt for a sick day rather than trek into the office.
Many organisations are addressing the issue of increased seasonal absenteeism by proactively promoting the services and solutions offered by their employee assistance programmes. With the opportunity to source confidential and independent counselling and support services at any time of day or night they are proving, for many employers, a great antidote to the seasonal 'down' that many employees are experiencing and an opportunity to introduce coping strategies that will deliver positive support and reassurance throughout the year.
