Summer SAD leaves workers ‘de-motivated’

The sun is out and predictably, the nation’s office workers are moaning about being stuck inside. But new figures could actually serve to back up their claims, after a survey found almost 60% of workers could be suffering from ‘Summer SAD’.

The Training and Development Agency (TDA), who ran the poll, said workers affected by Summer Seasonal Affective Disorder, or ‘Summer SAD’, are being left ‘de-motivated, unhappy, and even close to quitting their jobs’.

Almost four in 10 office workers said they believe the condition detracts from their motivation to work, while nearly 10% said they are more likely to call in sick during the summer months.

Two in 10 said they would prefer to ‘spend their summer daydreaming out of the window’, while 7% said they use the time to search for a new job. The TDA added that just 20% of HR, media and marketing employees use the summer as a chance to spend more time with their families.

Graham Holley, the organisation’s chief executive, said workers need more time to relax during the summer.

“There are legions of people who could benefit from time in the summer months to recharge their batteries away from the work environment,” he said.

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008