When the festivies and fun of Christmas is over, winter is with us for a few more months. And dark nights aren’t for everyone.

According to the NHS, around two million of us in the UK are prone to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or the winter blues, with many more noticing mood or energy levels drop. 

However, there are some tried and tested ways that Enjoy Benefits can help to lift your spirits and help you and your staff through the winter months. 

Do as the Danes do

The Danish idea of hygge (pronounced hoo-gah) has exploded in popularity recently. It’s all about creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life. 

Cosying up under soft blankets, the warm glow of a fire or a scented candle can help to boost feelings of relaxation, and for some of us, aromatherapy really can help to ease stress and improve sleep. 

The Enjoy Benefits Healthcare Cash plan can be used to enhance employees relaxation with access to massage and alternative therapies.

The policy lets employees claim back the cost of regular healthcare treatments, including dental, eye tests, physio and alternative therapies for as little as £1 per person, per week. 

If that’s not enough to boost your mood, our online Wellbeing Programme offers your team a range of advice designed to help with sleep, nutrition and mental health, which can all be affected by the seasonal shift. Hygge may explain why the Danes are some of the happiest people in the world so why help to lift spirits with a package of comforting benefits?

From health to tech discounts, Enjoy Benefits offers a range of staff perks and support packages that makes a difference to the lives of your staff and your business.

 

Forest bathing, anyone?

The tradition of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, is a national pastime in Japan and believed to reduce stress and promote wellbeing. Studies have shown that moving through nature and soaking up your surroundings can reduce stress levels and blood pressure and increase positive feelings. 

The BBC’s Doctor Michael Moseley reveals in his Just One Thing podcast how simply enjoying the wonders of the countryside can benefit brain and body – from improving your immune system to reducing your risk of chronic disease. 

The Enjoy Benefits Cycle to Work Scheme offers your team savings of up to 47% on a new bike they can use to head out into the countryside at weekends. As well as reducing costs for transport parking and fuel by using it for the commute to work, staff get fitter, healthier and more productive. 

There are savings on tax and NI on bikes with a potential bonus National Insurance saving for your business. So save the planet, enjoy the planet and shake off those autumn cobwebs all in one go – a great big green benefit! 

Find out about the Cycle to Work Scheme and other mood-enhancing benefits here.

 

The surprisingly accessible miracle cure

Overwhelming evidence shows that exercise is one of the best things you can do to feel better in winter. Regular physical activity can boost mood, sleep quality and energy, as well as reducing your risk of stress, clinical depression and risk of developing many long-term conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and some cancers. It’s why the NHS refers to it as a miracle cure. 

Bad weather and dark nights aren’t conducive to pulling on your trainers but with an Enjoy Benefits Gym Membership you can stay fit, healthy and dry by getting discounted rates for thousands of gym or leisure centres, boot camps, yoga, pilates studios as well as other suitable health setting, without a joining fee. 

There’s a range of packages to choose from including family, couple and off-peak, and your staff can save up to 12% in National Insurance contributions. 

This benefit is cost neutral to your business, an attractive perk and a brilliant way to help promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce absenteeism. 

A workout or yoga class is a great way to make the most of the longer nights, release all those lovely happiness endorphins and make you feel you’ve earned that cosy evening on the sofa.

Discover all the benefits of the Gym Membership scheme here

 

Get away from it all

A winter break is another great way to lift your spirits. Time away in a new or favourite destination is a guaranteed mood booster, and the opportunity to buy extra leave through the Enjoy Benefits Holiday Purchase Scheme means the chance to escape more often – whether it’s a long weekend away or more time with family in school holidays. 

Combine this with our Discount Club and staff can save up to 40% on holidays, shopping, entertainment and days out. A good work life balance is central to wellbeing, reduces absenteeism and increases staff retention, so everyone wins. 

Explore savings on holidays, hotels and major tourist attractions like Alton Towers. 

About Us

 At Enjoy Benefits, we have great experience in helping companies of all sizes introduce benefits that are suitable for their workplace.

Benefits are easy to set up and ongoing administration is then run through a hub, allowing employees to manage their own benefits while the employer can see which benefits are proving popular and what level of take-up each has had.

If you would like an obligation free chat to discuss which benefits might work for your business and your employees, please contact us by calling 0800 088 7315 or using our Contact Form.