Tips for Thriving, Not Just Surviving.
Winter is here! – and with it comes the annual rise in coughs, colds and other bugs that can spread quickly through the workplace causing an increase in last-minute unplanned absences resulting in extra pressure across your team.
For business owners and leaders, this season is all about being as prepared as possible, supporting your people, and keeping things running smoothly, when the unexpected hits.
Here’s some practical tips to help you protect team wellbeing, stay productive, and build winter resilience—so you and your business can keep thriving, whatever the weather.
Lead by Example
If you want your team to prioritise their health, you need to do the same. Your behaviour sets the tone:
- Take time off if you’re unwell—don’t power through and risk infecting others
- Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and prioritise nutrition
- Avoid back-to-back meetings; build in breathing room
- Be visible about your wellness choices—hydration, movement breaks, healthy lunches
Showing you take your health seriously empowers others to do the same without guilt.
Build Winter Wellness into your Business Strategy
Seasonal illness can disrupt productivity—especially in smaller teams. To be better prepared for the winter season:
- Forecast staff availability – see if you can see a pattern when sick leave usually spikes and consider what additional coverage you may need to get through the period
- Cross-train team members so essential functions are covered if someone is off
- Make the most of collaboration platforms, and task automation to stay efficient with fewer people.
Think of this your “winter business continuity plan.”
‘Encourage’ Sick Days (and Make It Easy)
Many employees still feel pressure—spoken or unspoken—to show up when sick. Break that cycle:
- Reiterate your sick leave policy clearly and supportively
- Avoid rewarding “powering through” illness.
- Encourage remote work for those feeling “off” but still functional
- Offer flexibility around returning to work—no one should feel rushed back while contagious
Make your Workspace ‘Winter-fit’
The physical environment plays a big role in how germs spread:
- Improve ventilation in offices—open windows or use air purifiers if possible
- Provide hand sanitiser, tissues, and cleaning supplies in shared areas
- Consider a weekly desk sanitising routine or light-hearted “clean desk challenge”
- Increase cleaning frequency in high-touch areas like kitchens, door handles, and shared tech
Small, visible changes can make a big difference in team behaviour and wellbeing.
Boost Team Immunity
Get ahead of illness by supporting the good health of your people:
- Promote Flu vaccinations – consider subsidising the cost for employees or hosting an on-site flu jab clinic.
- Consider providing healthy snacks in the office: fruit, teas, immunity-boosting options
- Run a simple winter wellness challenge—track steps, water intake, or quality sleep
- Share team tips on keeping well over winter
Wellness doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs consistency and leadership support.
A Final Thought …
As a leader in your business, your people look to you not just for guidance, but for balance. Your energy as a leader is one of your most important assets. When you stay well—physically, mentally, and strategically—you’re better positioned to support your team, serve your clients and customers, and keep your business on track.
By championing wellness now, you’re not only safeguarding your business operations—you’re also leading with care and empathy. And that’s a leadership win, any season.
Need support planning your wellness strategy? We’re here to help. For tailored advice and practical guidance, feel free to reach out to us at hello@hellomonday.co.nz or give us a call on 09 377 5200.