Banish the January Blues – how to use Breathwork and workplace wellbeing initiatives to mitigate January absence

Whilst some of us embrace January and relish the opportunity it provides to reset and refocus, it’s also true that many of us find the month a struggle.

We’re post-holiday, the days are short, and the summer feels a long way off. Add lingering festive sluggishness and some December burnout, and you’ve got the perfect storm for high absenteeism rates.

Getting (and keeping!) your team engaged and prioritising workplace wellbeing is vital to mitigate January absence.

And including Breathwork as an accessible, effective tool for improving mental and physical wellbeing in your workplace should definitely be part of your arsenal.

Understanding the January Absenteeism Challenge

According to the CIPD, January typically sees a spike in absenteeism. It is also one of the top months for sick leave in many industries.

Mental health can be particularly affected during the post-holiday period, with stress, anxiety and low motivation all becoming more prevalent (62% of employees reported feeling stressed in the months following the holidays)[i]

The link between absenteeism and mental health in the workplace is indisputable. Don’t let workplace absence rates creep up unchallenged – take positive steps now to support your team’s wellbeing for better morale, productivity and engagement.

The Role of Breathwork in Managing Stress and Improving Wellbeing

Breathwork is a powerful and highly effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety and improving overall physical health. But how?

• Balances the autonomic nervous system (ANS), reduces cortisol levels and promotes relaxation and emotional balance.

• Brings about brainwave changes, reducing negative emotions while enhancing happiness and calmness.

• Improves Heart Rate Variability.

So, what would this mean for your employees?

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Improved focus and productivity

• Enhanced emotional resilience and mood regulation

• Better overall physical health (improves immune function and energy levels)

Integrating Breathwork into Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives

It is clear to see that integrating breathwork into your workplace wellbeing initiatives could make a huge difference to productivity and absentee rates.

Here are some tips to help you move from the theory of Breathwork towards practical, real-world applications for your workplace.

1. Create a culture of wellbeing through simple breathwork practices. Offer daily or weekly breathwork sessions (guided by an expert or via an app). Encourage employees to take “breath breaks” throughout the day.

2. Think about your specific workplace needs. Do you need to address burnout, boost energy, or reduce anxiety? Tailor the breathwork sessions accordingly.

3. Speak to an expert for practical tips for implementing breathwork in a hybrid/remote work environment.

It’s important to tackle January absenteeism holistically, using a combination of wellness initiatives. Team-based wellness activities such as group walks, yoga sessions, or relaxation exercises can help improve morale, reduce stress, and foster camaraderie.

Or you could introduce some friendly competition with wellbeing challenges, such as monthly or quarterly challenges (e.g., step challenges, hydration goals, mindfulness challenges) that encourage employees to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Breathwork is a low-barrier option with no special equipment, location, or time requirements, making it accessible to all.

Start integrating breathwork and other mental health practices into your workplace culture to reduce absenteeism, increase engagement, and improve overall employee wellbeing.

If you subscribe to my newsletter, you will see that each month, I explore how breathwork can make a real difference to workplace wellbeing.

A recurring theme is that each part of the year presents new challenges: back-to-school in September, December burnout, quarterly workplace deadlines, January blues, and so on. Implementing an ongoing wellbeing and breathwork programme will ensure your team is equipped with the tools and resilience they need for whatever comes their way.

If you want to prioritise employee wellbeing this year, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to build a positive, healthy workforce!