Winter Passes. Wellbeing Lasts.

Winter in New Zealand doesn’t just bring frosty mornings and shorter days, it often ushers in higher sick leave rates, lower energy levels, and a workforce yearning for a little extra TLC. As leaders in healthcare recruitment and staffing, we’re plugged into what employees are really looking for to help them stay engaged, healthy, and productive through the colder months.  

So, if you’re keen to avoid your staff morale sliding lower than the temperature gauge, here’s the inside scoop on how to keep your team thriving this winter.  

Flexibility to Fight the Flu 

The winter sniffles are inevitable. Employees are increasingly seeking flexibility when it comes to managing minor illnesses or family care responsibilities.  

• Remote options for administrative days  

• Shift swaps with minimal red tape  

• Reduced stigma around calling in sick  

These measures aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re critical for containing winter bugs and maintaining safe patient care standards.  

Warmth: Physical and Emotional 

Sure, a decent heater goes a long way. But warmth is also about how supported employees feel during the tougher winter months.  

• Mental health resources remain a high priority, particularly for those in high-pressure healthcare environments.  

• Mid-year wellbeing check-ins July offers a natural pause in the business calendar, a perfect moment to connect with your team. Checking in on wellbeing demonstrates that you value your people beyond just performance metrics. 

• Staff surveys or pulse checks Engage your team with targeted questions like, “What’s one change that could make work easier for you this winter?” to gain actionable insights and show you’re listening. 

• Seek Input on Operational Needs Encourage employees to share feedback regarding shift schedules, staffing levels, or areas where additional support could enhance their work experience. 

Even small gestures, a hot drink station, soup Fridays, or winter wellness packs, can boost morale.  

Recognition and Appreciation 

Winter can feel long, dark, and relentless, much like a night shift in A&E. Regular recognition reminds your team that their efforts don’t go unnoticed.  

• Public shout-outs  

• Small rewards or vouchers  

• Thankyou messages from leadership  

These cost little but deliver significant returns in loyalty, engagement, and discretionary effort.  

  

Health and Wellness Support 

Winter is prime time for prioritising physical health. Staff value proactive support from employers, such as:  

• Access to flu vaccinations onsite or with time off to attend  

• Resources on managing fatigue during darker days  

• Encouragement of healthy habits like hydration, sleep hygiene, and movement  

• Promote your EAP services. 

Clear Communication

When resources tighten or rosters become challenging in winter, silence breeds uncertainty. Employees want to know:  

• What’s happening with rosters  

• How management is handling winter pressures  

• Where to go if they need support  

Transparent, timely communication goes a long way in maintaining trust and cohesion during busier months.  

Winter-Ready Teams = Better Patient Outcomes

Ultimately, winter support isn’t just about employee satisfaction, it’s about ensuring consistent, high-quality patient care. A team that feels valued and looked after is better equipped to tackle the inevitable winter influx.  

At Frontline Health NZ, we understand the unique pressures faced by healthcare providers in winter. If you’d like advice on workforce planning, flexible staffing solutions, or simply want to benchmark your winter support strategies, our specialist consultants are ready to assist.