How gloomy winter days can be an issue for employers

Many workers experience the “winter blues,” but it’s not the same thing as seasonal affective disorder, which is a form of depression that the American Psychological Association classifies as a serious medical condition related to changes in the seasons — and shortage of sunlight.

“This is a real diagnosis, and it’s recognized by psychiatrists in many countries,” said Norman Rosenthal, clinical professor of psychiatry at Georgetown University School of Medicine.

According to the American Psychological Association, symptoms of SAD include fatigue, pervasively sad mood, loss of interest, sleep difficulty or excessive sleeping, craving and eating more starches and sweets, weight gain, feelings of hopelessness or despair, and thoughts of suicide.

In 2008, Rosenthal wrote in a journal article on seasonal affective disorder that 6 percent of the U.S. population is affected.

The Society of Human Resource Management says those symptoms could individually or collectively affect employee productivity by reducing morale and increasing absenteeism, mistakes and safety risks in environments like manufacturing or construction.

In 2010, Renae Ekstrand, a former teacher at the Somerset school district in Wisconsin, won a case against her former employer for failing to address her needs as someone with SAD, which is recognized under disability law.

After her request to change to an available classroom with an exterior window to accommodate her SAD was denied by the district, Ekstrand began having symptoms like fatigue, trouble organizing tasks and anxiety.

Employers have recently been more forthcoming about how they accommodate workers with SAD, said Linda Batiste, principal consultant at the Job Accommodation Network, which is part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy.

Psychologist Zachary Friedman (no relation to Leslie Friedman) said treatment is often a multipronged approach, and new research has indicated that overall wellness is important for those with SAD, particularly good sleep hygiene: going to bed and waking up at the same times, getting enough hours of consistent sleep and cutting out electronics half an hour before bed.

Friedman said cognitive behavioral therapy can extend into the workplace by employees being mindful of their needs and employers encouraging those with SAD to go for a walk outside to get more light or call a family member or friend during lunch breaks to decrease isolation.