Awareness
Blue Monday at Work: How to Support Employees Through January
January can be a tough month. The festive break is over, the days are short and dark, pay day can feel a long way off and many people are dealing with post-Christmas money worries. It’s no surprise that low mood, tiredness and stress are common at this time of year.
Blue Monday is often called “the most depressing day of the year”. It isn’t a scientific fact, but it’s a useful reminder for employers to check in on their teams. This guide explains when Blue Monday is, how the January blues can affect your people, and practical ways to support them through the month.
When is Blue Monday 2027?
Blue Monday 2027 falls on Monday 18 January 2027. It’s usually the third Monday in January.
The idea started in 2005 as part of a travel company’s marketing campaign, which used a so-called formula combining weather, debt, time since Christmas and failed New Year’s resolutions. There’s no scientific evidence that one day is worse than any other. But the factors behind it, such as dark days, money pressures and the return to work, are real, and they can affect people throughout January and February.
Why January can be hard for employees
Several pressures come together at this time of year:
Short, dark days: less daylight can affect sleep, energy and mood
Money worries: Christmas spending, a long gap until January pay day and rising bills can cause financial stress
Back-to-work pressure: returning to busy workloads after the break can feel overwhelming
Winter illness: colds, flu and other bugs often spread in winter
Less social contact: people may go out less and feel more isolated
Unmet resolutions: feeling you’ve already “failed” at New Year goals can affect confidence
These pressures add to stress levels that are already high. Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report, published in January 2026, found that:
91% of adults had experienced high or extreme pressure or stress in the past year
20% of workers had taken time off because of stress-related poor mental health
Money worries were among the biggest causes of stress outside work, affecting 48% of people
How the January blues can affect your team
Signs that someone may be struggling include:
Low mood, tearfulness or seeming flat
Tiredness and difficulty concentrating
Irritability or short temper
Withdrawing from colleagues or team activities
More sickness absence, or coming to work when unwell
Talking about money worries or feeling overwhelmed
For some people, low mood in winter is more than the January blues. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sometimes known as “winter depression”, follows a seasonal pattern and usually needs support from a GP. Read our guide to seasonal affective disorder for more on recognising the signs.
How to support employees on Blue Monday and through January
1. Check in with your team
A simple “How are you doing?” can make a big difference. Encourage managers to hold short check-ins in January, especially with people who seem quieter than usual, and to listen without judgement.
2. Make the most of daylight
Encourage staff to take their lunch break outside, even for a short walk
Make sure people take their breaks rather than working through them
Where possible, offer some flexibility so people can make use of daylight hours
3. Give people something to look forward to
Small things can lift the mood, for example:
A team lunch, coffee morning or breakfast
A dress-down day or charity fundraiser
A hobby or wellbeing afternoon
Celebrating team achievements from the previous year
4. Recognise good work
A thank-you goes a long way, especially in a month that can feel long and grey. Recognise effort as well as results, and encourage colleagues to thank each other too.
5. Help with money worries
Financial stress is one of the biggest causes of the January blues. You can help by:
Reminding staff of any financial wellbeing support, discounts or benefits you offer
Making sure people know how to access confidential financial information through your EAP
Being understanding if someone mentions money worries, and signposting support
6. Manage workloads after the break
Returning to a full inbox can be stressful. Help people ease back in by setting realistic priorities for January, spreading deadlines where possible and checking that workloads are manageable.
7. Include remote and hybrid workers
Remote workers can feel particularly isolated in winter. Try:
Virtual coffee breaks or team check-ins
Online social activities
Encouraging movement breaks and time outside
Flexible start and finish times to make the most of daylight
8. Train Mental Health First Aiders
Mental Health First Aiders give staff a trained first point of contact if they’re struggling. They can listen, offer support and signpost people to professional help.
9. Make support easy to find
Remind everyone in January how to access your Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing app and other support. Share the details in team meetings, on your intranet and by email, as people often forget what’s available.
What to do if an employee is still struggling
If someone’s mood doesn’t lift, or the signs continue beyond January, it may be more than the winter blues.
Have a private, supportive conversation and ask how they’re really doing
Ask what would help, such as temporary changes to hours or workload
Encourage them to speak to their GP, and be flexible about appointments
Remind them that they can access confidential support through your EAP
How an EAP supports employees through January and beyond
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) gives your people confidential support whenever they need it, not just on Blue Monday. With Wisdom Wellbeing, your employees can access:
A 24/7 confidential helpline for emotional, practical and financial support
Short-term structured counselling with qualified counsellors
Legal and financial information, including help with money worries
The Wisdom app, with self-help tools, mood tracking and wellbeing content
Manager support and guidance on difficult conversations
Find out more about our Employee Assistance Programme.
FAQs
When is Blue Monday 2027?
Blue Monday 2027 is on Monday 18 January 2027. It usually falls on the third Monday in January.
Is Blue Monday real?
Blue Monday started as a marketing campaign in 2005, and there’s no scientific evidence that one day is the most depressing of the year. But the pressures behind it, such as dark days, money worries and returning to work, are real and can affect people throughout January.
How can employers support staff on Blue Monday?
Check in with your team, encourage breaks and time outside, give people something to look forward to, recognise good work, help with money worries and make sure staff know how to access confidential support.
What’s the difference between the January blues and seasonal affective disorder?
The January blues are a temporary dip in mood linked to the time of year. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and usually needs support from a GP.
How can an EAP help with the January blues?
An EAP gives employees confidential, 24/7 access to emotional support, counselling and financial information, so they can get help with low mood, stress or money worries whenever they need it.
Sources
Wisdom Wellbeing
Wisdom Wellbeing provides clinically led Employee Assistance Programmes to organisations across the UK and Ireland. Specialising in mental health and wellbeing, we publish practical guidance for employees, employers and business owners, including articles written by our counsellors to offer expertise from a clinical perspective. We also write for students at college and university who want to improve and maintain their mental wellbeing.
Support your employees with an EAP
With an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) from Wisdom Wellbeing, we can offer you practical advice and support when it comes to dealing with workplace stress and anxiety issues.
Our EAP service provides guidance and supports your employees with their mental health in the workplace and at home. We can help you create a safe, productive workspace that supports all.
