As the cold weather persists and the rainy spring months settle in, small businesses face a unique set of challenges that can affect their team’s well-being. With limited daylight and gray, dreary days, it can be harder for employees to stay motivated and energized. The emotional toll of the lingering cold weather, combined with ongoing work pressures, can lead to burnout and seasonal depression. In a smaller team environment, these issues may be more difficult to detect, but they can also be easier to address with the right strategies in place.
Kate Karre, HR Practice Leader at Fine Point Consulting, shares insights into how small businesses can effectively manage these challenges, even with limited resources. Below, we’ve gathered practical, cost-effective solutions for small business owners to support their teams and prevent burnout and seasonal depression during the colder, darker months of the year.
In small businesses, the impact of burnout and seasonal depression can be more noticeable than in larger organizations, where employees might feel more isolated. According to Kate Karre, HR Practice Leader at Fine Point Consulting,
“In small businesses, you have fewer employees, which often means there’s a strong sense of community.” While these close relationships are beneficial, they can also make it harder for employees to hide the stress and fatigue that come with seasonal changes.
As the colder months linger and the rainy spring weather sets in, it can be difficult for employees to stay motivated or energized. With limited daylight and persistent gray skies, it’s common for employees to feel down or drained. In places like Wisconsin, where long winters and overcast days are the norm, the lack of sunlight can feel particularly draining. The initial energy that comes with the new year may have worn off, and without the uplifting energy of holidays or warmer weather to look forward to, employees can struggle to find motivation.
This is especially challenging in industries with busy seasons, like retail during the holidays or accounting during tax season. Even once the busy periods end, employees may still be feeling the lingering effects of stress and heavy workloads, making it difficult to regain balance during the quieter months.
Small businesses often don’t have the luxury of formal Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), but there are still plenty of low-cost or no-cost solutions. According to Karre, offering flexible schedules is one of the most effective strategies. "Maximizing your employee's circadian rhythms by allowing flexible start and end times can make a huge difference," she notes. Some employees may thrive by starting early and finishing their workday in the daylight, while others may prefer to start later and work into the evening.
If your company offers LTD/STD/Life insurance, you may have access to an EAP at no additional cost, which can provide employees with confidential counseling services. If that’s not an option, you can still foster a supportive environment by encouraging mental health days, creating a safe space for open dialogue, and reminding employees about any mental health resources available through their health insurance.
While it’s difficult to completely eliminate burnout, there are proactive steps small business owners can take to reduce its likelihood. Creating a culture of well-being starts with leadership."Small business owners and HR leaders need to model the behavior they want to see in employees," Karre advises. If leadership is working long hours, and emailing employees at night or on weekends, it sets an unhealthy precedent.
Here are some strategies small businesses can use to prevent burnout, especially during high-demand seasons:
One of the benefits of a small team is that it’s easier to spot changes in behavior. Look out for subtle signs that an employee may be struggling with burnout or seasonal depression, such as irritability, lack of engagement, missed deadlines, or noticeable behavioral changes. When you notice these signs, approach the situation with empathy and an open mind.
"Approach these conversations without judgment," Karre advises. "Seek to understand rather than to diagnose. Make sure employees feel safe to open up without fear of being stigmatized."
A small business is often a tight-knit community, and creating an environment where mental health is openly discussed can make a huge difference. Karre stresses the importance of compassion and non-judgment. "If you have leaders who have experienced mental health issues, they can share their stories with the team to make others feel safe to speak up."
Encourage employees to speak up if they’re feeling overwhelmed by ensuring they know that seeking help is not only acceptable but supported. Leading by example—by sharing your own challenges and encouraging open dialogue—is essential in breaking the stigma.
And remember, mental health shouldn’t be a one-off focus. Implementing simple long-term strategies can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of employees. Karre suggests conducting "Stay Interviews" to gain feedback on what employees need to feel supported. This feedback can then be used to make small but impactful changes to the company culture.
Above all, it’s about consistency.
“Small businesses can’t afford large-scale initiatives, but by making small, thoughtful accommodations for employees, you can create a culture that prioritizes well-being year-round,” says Karre.
Creating a positive, supportive work environment doesn’t require a big budget. Simple initiatives can go a long way in boosting employee morale:
Supporting your employees through burnout and seasonal depression doesn’t require a large HR department or extensive resources. By offering flexibility, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive work environment, small businesses can mitigate the impact of these challenges. As a small business leader, your actions speak volumes—leading with empathy and compassion can create a lasting, positive culture that benefits both the business and the people who make it thrive.
If you're looking for more personalized advice or need guidance on implementing these strategies, Fine Point Consulting is here to help you build a healthier, happier workplace.
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