Getting through winter at work.

Low energy at work

Most of us slow down in winter. That isn't a character flaw, and it doesn't need a big plan. A few small changes at work help more than you'd think:

• Get some daylight in the working day. Take part of your lunch break outside, or walk to a colleague instead of messaging. If you can, ask to sit nearer a window.
• Put your hardest task where your energy is. If you're sharper in the morning, do the difficult thing first and save admin for the afternoon dip.
• Take your breaks. If you work more than six hours a day you're normally entitled to a 20 minute break. Eating at your desk isn't a break.
• Book some leave for January or February. Many people use it all at Christmas and then face the longest stretch of the year with nothing in the diary.

If it's more than tiredness, for example low mood that comes back every winter and gets in the way of work and home, talk to your GP. The NHS recognises seasonal affective disorder, and there's help for it. You don't have to just push through.

Dark mornings and getting to work

• Ask for a different start time. Starting at 10 instead of 8, or working from home on some days, can make winter far easier. Employees can make a flexible working request from their first day in a job. The flexible working guide shows you how to ask.
• A temporary change is still a change. You can ask for different hours just for the winter months and say so in your request.
• If you have a health condition or disability that winter makes harder, such as needing more light to work safely or a changed start time, you can ask for reasonable adjustments.

Snow, ice and travel chaos

If the weather means you can't get in, you don't have an automatic right to be paid, unless your contract or your employer's policy says so. Check your contract and ask early whether you can work from home, swap shifts or make the time up.

If your employer closes the workplace, they should usually still pay you. If schools close and you have to look after your children, you have the right to reasonable unpaid time off for dependants. Tell your manager as soon as you can.

Off sick this winter

Since 6 April 2026, statutory sick pay is paid from your first day off sick, and you no longer need to earn a minimum amount to qualify. You can self certify for the first 7 days. After that, you'll normally need a fit note. The sick pay and fit notes guide has the details, and the sick pay calculator works out what you'll get.

Money and the long January

• Check when you're paid in December. Many employers pay early before Christmas, which makes the wait until the end of January much longer. Plan for it now.
• Check your payslip is right. The take-home pay calculator shows what should land in your account.
• Ask about what your employer already offers. Many have an employee assistance programme with free, confidential money advice. It's often in the staff handbook and rarely used.
• Free, independent money help: MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice.

The festive season at work

• The Christmas party is still work. Your employer's conduct and harassment policies apply, including at drinks afterwards. Enjoy it, and know you're allowed to leave early.
• You don't have to drink. "I'm driving" or simply "not tonight" is enough. A good workplace plans social events that work for people who don't drink.
• Not everyone celebrates Christmas, and for some people it's a hard time of year. Keep it optional and keep it kind.
• Leave over Christmas is usually agreed in advance and some employers decide when you take it. Check your contract, and use the holiday calculator to see what you have left.

If you feel cut off

Working from home in winter can mean days without proper conversation. Put one call with a person in the diary each day, even 10 minutes, with the camera on if you're comfortable. Go into the workplace on days when others are there.

If you're struggling and need to talk to someone right now, Samaritans are free, day or night, on 116 123. There are more free organisations on Find support.

References: NHS, Seasonal affective disorder; GOV.UK, Flexible working; GOV.UK, Statutory Sick Pay; GOV.UK, Time off for family and dependants; GOV.UK, Rest breaks at work; Acas, Absence from work in bad weather; Acas, Work social events.