Seasonal Affective Disorder: What It Is and How It Shows Up at Work

As the seasons change, so do our moods, and for some, those changes run much deeper than a case of the “winter blues.”

“A few winters ago, I noticed something subtle but persistent, I felt foggy, unmotivated, and unusually low despite nothing being wrong. I wasn’t burnt out, but my energy was drained. Work felt harder than usual. I chalked it up to a long stretch of cloudy days… until someone gently mentioned it might be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Since then, I’ve realised I’m not alone. Many people experience a noticeable shift in mood and energy as the seasons change — and this isn’t just a personal issue; it’s a workplace wellbeing issue too.”

Many leaders and organisations don’t realise is this: SAD can have a significant impact on workplace wellbeing, productivity, and team dynamics.

Let’s unpack what SAD is, how it affects team members, and what we can do to support each other through the darker months.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most commonly emerging in autumn and winter when daylight hours decrease and subsides in spring or summer. It’s thought to be linked to:

• Reduced exposure to sunlight, which disrupts circadian rhythms
• Changes in melatonin and serotonin levels, affecting mood and energy
• Lower vitamin D levels during winter

Common symptoms include:

• Persistent low mood or irritability
• Loss of interest in work or social activities
• Low energy and fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Changes in appetite (often cravings for carbs or sugar)
• Sleep disruptions

How SAD Affects People at Work

In most work settings, SAD can show up in subtle but impactful ways:

• Decline in performance or motivation Employees may struggle to maintain focus or meet deadlines.
• Increased absenteeism Fatigue and low mood can lead to more sick days or requests for time off.
• Reduced engagement People experiencing SAD might withdraw socially, contribute less in meetings, or appear “checked out.”
• Strain on team dynamics Irritability, mood shifts, or lack of communication can affect collaboration.

What Employers and Managers Can Do

Supporting your team through seasonal shifts doesn’t require clinical expertise, just awareness, empathy, and a few proactive strategies:

Promote Natural Light

• Encourage people to take their breaks outside during daylight hours.
• Position desks near windows and raise or open blinds during low light days

Offer Flexibility

• Adjust workloads or expectations during known low-energy periods.
• Explore flexible hours so staff can make the most of natural light.

Foster Connection

• Check in regularly , not just about work, but about wellbeing.
• Create spaces for social interaction, even if virtual, to reduce isolation.

Educate Your Team

• Share information about SAD and normalise mental health conversations.
• Let employees know it’s okay to ask for help, and where to find it.

Encourage Use of Work Happy EAP or Support Services – 1300 796 640.

Looking Ahead…………………

SAD reminds us that mental health isn’t seasonal, but our environment can play a powerful role in how we feel and function. As the seasons change, a supportive workplace can make all the difference.

Whether you’re a team leader, HR professional, or simply someone who wants to show up better for your colleagues, being mindful of seasonal wellbeing is a step toward a more empathetic, human-centred workplace.

Have you noticed a shift in mood or energy in your team during certain times of year? Let’s open the conversation.