The daffodils are in bloom, the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air, and the temperatures are finally starting to rise. That’s right, the UK clocks have gone forward and we’re now officially on Daylight Saving Time (DST) which marks the end of winter. Rejoice!
While the annual change of the clocks can leave some people feeling a little miffed about losing an hour of sleep, DST brings a whole host of benefits, especially when it comes to promoting workplace wellbeing.
But DST doesn’t only spell out sunnier days for employees – it’s something that your business can benefit from, too.
At Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, employee health is something we’re truly passionate about. We believe that everyone deserves to feel happy and fulfilled in their job. And as the UK’s experts in public practice accounting recruitment, we’re proud to advise firms on how they can improve their workplace culture for the betterment of their team.
So, what are the positive effects of Daylight Saving Time, how does it link to workplace wellbeing, and how can accountancy firms use it as a way to boost morale?
Let’s talk about it!
The History Behind the Clock Hands
You may be wondering… when did the clock first go forward, and why?
DST was championed by a builder from Kent named William Willet in the early 20th century. Whilst riding his horse home in the town of Petts Woods, Willet noticed that his neighbours still had their curtains closed despite it being the middle of the day. He then considered the idea of adapting time to make it more productive to help people get the most out of daylight hours.
Through vigorous campaigning, as well as the shift in attitudes and culture due to World War One, the Summer Time Act was finally passed in the UK on the 17th of May 1916 – almost seven years after Willet’s first attempt to get the bill passed.
Several efforts to repeal DST have been brought to the House of Commons since, but to no avail. Instead, over 70 countries across the world have now embraced DST as a part of their annual calendar.
Click here to learn more about the history of British Summer Time.
The Emphasis on Workplace Wellbeing in Accountancy
Amidst the professional landscape of the post-pandemic world that we now live in, the subject of workplace wellbeing is a hot topic.
Now more than ever before, accountants across the industry are realising the importance of work-life balance, and are making strides towards establishing a better equilibrium in their professional lives. Whether that’s applying for hybrid roles, seeking better benefits, or choosing firms that have a good reputation for their workplace environment. Therefore, it’s crucial that firms recognise this by establishing new measures to give their workers what they need to be happy at work.
As well as this, global efforts are being made to undo harmful stigmas around mental health. This has prompted accountancy firms to reassess their mental health services and provide better support for their staff, especially during times in the year that people typically find the most difficult.
Are you a firm that’s looking to modernise your mental health support services? Or maybe you just need some expert advice from a recruitment business with over 20 years’ experience in the public practice accounting market? Click here to get in contact with us.
The Benefits of DST
While it may not seem obvious at first, the increased daylight as a result of DST can have a big impact on the energy, motivation levels, and overall morale of your workforce. The transition to British Summer brings a horizon of hope and excitement for sunnier times ahead.
But what are the other physical and mental advantages of Daylight Saving Hours? Here’s just a few!
More Daylight for After-Work Activities
It’s no secret that most of your staff probably hate arriving and leaving the office in the dark. And who can blame them?
During the deepest depths of British winter, it can feel like you’re working in a state of perpetual darkness, which a lot of people find taxing on their mental health.
By extending daylight hours, DST enables employees to engage in after-work fun. Whether it’s going for a walk, taking part in outdoor sports, or simply enjoying some extra fresh air, the additional daylight opens more opportunities for leisure.
Why not plant some seeds, and inspire your team to take up a new summer hobby by sending out a staff wellbeing letter? Your team will certainly appreciate it!
Encourages a Healthier Lifestyle
We don’t know about you, but the last thing we feel like doing after a busy workday is going for a walk in the pitch black, especially in the rain.
The extra hour of daylight may seem like a small adjustment, but it makes all the difference. People are more likely to participate in outdoor activities when the sun’s still up which, in turn, increases physical and mental health.
A workforce that’s healthier is a workforce that’s happier. They’re generally more engaged with their work and less prone to sickness or stress-related absence.
Therefore, allowing your team to have flexibility with their lunch hours is a great way to encourage them to be active. By promoting a ‘get up and get out’ culture, you’ll be helping your staff reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and boost their overall mood.
Also, by enabling your team to have flexibility with the time they spend away from the desk, you’ll be giving them more time to think and come up with ideas, which is great news for your creative output!
Improves Mental Health
Every year, do you have the realisation that you’re happier in summer? It’s not a coincidence; it’s biological.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as “winter depression”, affects around 18.28% of women, and 12.87% of men in the UK. Those who work in the office or at home with limited exposure to sunlight are often most impacted.
The increase in natural light due to DST brings an abundance of Vitamin D – a mood-boosting nutrient that plays a crucial role in warding off depression and restoring calm in our minds. Plus, sunlight helps to regulate the body’s internal clock, which improves sleep patterns and overall wellbeing. All these factors combined make DST the perfect environment for self-improvement.
If you’re working in the office on a sunny day, why not encourage your team to enjoy their lunch in the sunshine? Or if you have enough time on a less busy day, walking to a nearby café to grab a coffee with your colleagues is a great way to get some movement and sunlight exposure into your workday.
Fosters a Sense of Community
A lot of people find it hard to stay motivated during winter. The bad weather can see our social lives grind to a halt caused by the cold weather, absence of outdoor events, the financial strain of Christmas, or all three combined.
The shift to Daylight Saving Time invites your workforce to participate in after-work activities together outside of the office. Whether it’s starting a sports league, attending a conference, or simply planning an after-work trip to the pub, these connections between colleagues create a collaborative work environment, and it should be something that every firm encourages.
A strong sense of community in the workplace not only makes it a more enjoyable place to work, but it also increases staff retention. If your staff find both personal and professional reward in their job, they’re most likely to stay way past the typical two-year benchmark.
So why not get some exciting dates in the diary to bring your team together? This may include a fun run, a charity challenge, fundraiser, or a company summer event. There’s no better team-building exercise than facilitating a team meet-up outside of the office!
Final Thoughts
Although some workers may find it difficult to adjust to daylight saving time at first, DST brings more than just an abundance of sunshine. As firms look for new ways to improve employees’ wellbeing, leveraging the blue-skied benefits of Daylight Saving Time is a simple yet effective strategy.
The increased daylight promotes better mental and physical health, healthier lifestyles, and a happier workforce – something that every business, in and outside of accountancy, can gain from.
By embracing the change of clocks, firms will not only welcome the arrival of spring, but the opportunities to enhance wellbeing and productivity in the workplace.
Are you a forward-thinking firm that is keen to show your commitment to your team, and secure candidates who can make a real difference? You’re in the right place!
Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we’re proud to represent some truly exceptional accountants, tax specialists, and seasoned auditors. Contact us today to find out more.