January has a way of dragging its feet. After weeks of festive buzz, suddenly everything goes quiet. The weather’s grey, inboxes are full, motivation dips – and team energy often follows. That’s why the third Monday of the month has come to represent something more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a signal that your people might need a boost.
We’re not here to debate whether Blue Monday is fact or fiction – we’re here to talk about what it reflects: a moment where a little extra support goes a long way.
This is about creating simple, thoughtful touchpoints that cut through the noise and remind your team they’re seen, valued, and part of something meaningful. Whether your team is remote, hybrid or office-based, here are five practical ways to make Blue Monday 2026 feel more human and a little less heavy.
What is Blue Monday 2026?
By mid-January, the sparkle of the holidays feels like a distant memory and reality kicks back in. It’s not just the colder mornings or darker commutes. It’s the quiet reset after a season of overstimulation, paired with pressure to start the year strong. That can leave even your most upbeat team members feeling a bit flat.
Energy dips. Outlook narrows. Motivation wobbles. Some of it’s seasonal – less sunlight, more time indoors, disrupted routines. But some of it’s also emotional: financial stress after Christmas, unspoken pressure to “hit the ground running,” and the mental weight of self-imposed resolutions.
For anyone already navigating mental health challenges, this stretch of January can feel particularly heavy. And for everyone else? It’s just… a lot. That’s exactly why small gestures, like sending thoughtful staff wellbeing gifts or surprise treats, are a simple but powerful way to lift spirits and remind your team they’re valued.
Why It Matters for Your People and Your Culture
When January hits hard, it doesn’t always look like a crisis. It can look like silence on team chats. Missed deadlines. Cameras off. Or a once-enthusiastic colleague showing up just to get through the day.
What’s happening beneath the surface? Maybe it’s fatigue, financial pressure, or the mental load of returning to a fast-paced routine before they’ve had a chance to reset. Even those who seem “fine” might be running on half-batteries, pushing through the day without feeling particularly connected, creative or motivated.
And when that becomes the norm across a team, it adds up. Communication falters. Collaboration dips. Culture suffers, not because your people don’t care about the work they are doing, but because they don’t feel like they have the energy to.
This is where your thoughtful leadership matters. Because how you support your team during the quiet, heavy weeks sets the tone for how they’ll show up when it counts.
Your Role as an Employer on Blue Monday 2026
Support doesn’t always need to come in the form of grand initiatives or formal policies – though those do have their place. Often, it starts with awareness: recognising when your team might be running low, and stepping in with empathy.
Legally, of course, employers have a responsibility to protect both the physical and mental wellbeing of their people. But this isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s about creating an environment where people feel safe to be honest, supported when they need help, and recognised as more than just their output.
In moments like Blue Monday, and the quieter, heavier stretches of the working year, leadership has a choice. Do nothing, and hope your team powers through. Or take a proactive step to show you’re paying attention, that you value them, and that you’re willing to meet them where they are. The best workplaces aren’t just productive – they’re human. And the businesses that lead with care tend to lead in results, too.
Five Ideas to Boost Employee Morale on Blue Monday 2026
Blue Monday Staff Gifts
Surprise your employees with thoughtful Blue Monday gifts that show appreciation for their hard work. Consider wellbeing items to help them rest, recharge and reflect. These small wellbeing gestures can make employees feel valued and special, boosting their morale and even improving the quality of their work.
Creative Team-Building Activities
Organise team-building activities that are unique and enjoyable. Instead of the usual alcohol-fuelled sessions or cheesy trust fall exercises, consider fun activities like escape rooms, cooking classes, or scavenger hunts. These activities will help your team bond and give them something to look forward to, even on Blue Monday.
Mental Health Support Resources
Put employee wellbeing first by providing a range of useful resources for mental health support. Mind has a wealth of resources for you and your team, covering a whole range of different areas. Consider creating team mental health ambassadors within your organisation who can support and guide their colleagues. Encourage open conversations about mental health and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable seeking help when needed.
Flexible Work Arrangements
If there’s ever a day to ease the pressure, it’s Blue Monday. Whether it’s a later start, an earlier finish, or the option to work from home, a little flexibility can go a long way in helping people feel trusted and supported.
It’s not about reducing output – it’s about recognising that everyone’s energy dips sometimes, and giving your team the space to manage their day in a way that works for them. Even small gestures like adjusting meeting schedules or encouraging a proper lunch break can help people reset and feel more in control.
Ultimately, flexibility signals something bigger: that you see your team as humans first, and trust them to get the work done in a way that works for them.
Wellbeing Initiatives
Implement wellbeing initiatives that focus on physical and mental health. Encourage employees to exercise regularly by organising fitness challenges or providing gym memberships. Additionally, promote healthy eating by offering nutritious snacks in the office, water to drink or hosting wellness workshops on nutrition.
These initiatives can improve employee wellbeing, making your staff feel happier and more engaged. Our team love our on-site gym, our bi-weekly yoga sessions, and our free lunches full of tasty, healthy options.
Keep The Good Morale Going Beyond Blue Monday
Blue Monday might be the headline, but the real opportunity is bigger than one day. It’s a reminder that your people need support, recognition and meaningful connection, not just when morale dips, but all year round.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Regular check-ins. Honest conversations. Celebrating the wins, big and small. Creating space for growth. And showing – consistently – that you see the humans behind the job titles.
Because when people feel valued, they show up differently. They contribute more, stay longer, and care about the work they’re doing. That doesn’t come from perks. It comes from culture.
So if you’re putting energy into lifting your team this January, don’t stop there. Keep the momentum going. Build the kind of workplace where people feel seen, supported, and excited to be part of what you’re creating. That’s what turns one thoughtful day into a year of real engagement.
👇Discover How to Keep Teams Energised Beyond Blue Monday
Download our 2026 Employee Connection Report and discover:
- The Freshest insight into what’s really affecting team morale and motivation in early 2026 – and why quick fixes aren’t enough
- Real examples from wellbeing and gifting campaigns that helped teams feel seen, supported, and reconnected
- The key trends shaping how employees want to be engaged – including flexibility, personalisation, and values-driven gestures
- And so much more to help you build lasting connection, not just one-off boosts!
