Almost two-thirds (61%) of UK workers say February is their lowest point for mental health and motivation, according to research by UK print firm Instantprint.
Its survey of 2,000 UK office workers also found that 61% experience a major drop in mood and motivation during the shortest month of the year, while 45% said it directly affects their ability to perform at work, as they have seen a noticeable impact on performance.
The findings also highlighted that 39% of respondents said they have already taken time off work for mental health or stress-related issues in the first quarter.
Despite this, almost a quarter (24%) said their employer offers any specific or targeted wellbeing support during this time. Micro-kindness, flexibility and simple recognition were cited as the most appreciated morale boosters employees could receive from their employers.
Angela Hunter, TX operations manager at Instantprint, said: “The data shows just how much is missed when wellbeing is only considered during designated awareness weeks or annual reviews. February can be a real pressure point and could be the most overlooked period for workplace wellbeing. The goals of January start to feel like pressure, the winter stretch drags on, and many people silently struggle with their mental health.
“Supporting employees through this period doesn’t require big budgets, it’s about being proactive, visible and human. Organisations can open up conversations and create space for honest check-ins, be flexible where possible as small adjustments can ease pressure, and make wellbeing routine by building simple moments of support into the everyday. By focusing on consistent, human-led support, workplaces can avoid early-year burnout and create more resilient teams from the start of the calendar year.”
