It's Blue Monday. Yes, today is officially the most depressing day of the year, made so by a combination of depressive events.
Cardiff University psychologist Dr Cliff Arnall has singled out today on the basis of a mathematical equation where [W + (D-d)] x TQ M x NA where W = weather, D = debt, d = money due in January pay, T = time elapsed since Christmas, Q = time since failed New Year's resolutions to quit smoking, drinking etc, M = general motivational levels, NA = the need to take action.
In other words, the Christmas glow has faded, New Year's resolutions have been broken, cold weather has arrived and credit card bills are screaming "pay me" even though the January pay-check is still one week away.
But employers looking to help staff beat the blues could always take a leaf out of PR consultancy Green Communications' book. Today they are decking their offices out as a beach complete with sand and deck-chairs for the staff to conjure up an image of summer aimed at making employees feel better . . .