How Blue Monday Shapes (or Doesn’t Shape) Recruitment
Every year, on the third Monday of January, the world braces itself for what has been dubbed “Blue Monday”—supposedly the most depressing day of the year. The concept first emerged in 2005, supposedly following a press release written for Sky Travel to promote winter holiday packages by psychologist Cliff Arnall. The formula used to calculate the date considered factors like weather, debt, and time since Christmas. But is there any truth behind the gloom, and more importantly, does it impact recruitment? Let’s explore!
Blue Monday and Recruitment: Is There a Connection?
For recruitment firms, January is typically an energising time. The “New Year, New Me” mindset motivates job seekers to refresh their CVs and look for better opportunities, resulting in what can be one of the busiest months in the industry. While Blue Monday might suggest a day of low productivity and heightened negativity, the data tells a different story.
Research shows no consistent spike in absenteeism or drop in performance on Blue Monday compared to other winter days. In recruitment, it’s actually quite the opposite—our team often sees a surge of applications and inquiries as candidates use the new year as a catalyst for change.
So, is Blue Monday affecting recruitment? Not in any significant way. In fact, it’s likely just a state of mind.
5 Reasons Why Blue Monday Is a Myth
Here are five reasons why you can ditch the doom and embrace positivity on Blue Monday:
1. It’s a PR Stunt
Blue Monday wasn’t born out of scientific research. It was a marketing campaign designed to sell holidays! The formula behind it lacks credibility and was never peer-reviewed.
2. Mood Is Individual
The calendar doesn’t dictate your emotional state. Factors like personal mindset, health, and support networks are far more significant than the date.
3. Recruitment Thrives in January
The so-called “most depressing day” coincides with one of the busiest times for recruitment. People are inspired to take action, set goals, and seek new opportunities. Hardly gloomy, right?
4. Winter Blues Are Manageable
Feeling low during winter is common, but it’s linked to shorter daylight hours rather than a specific day. Simple actions like exercise, spending time outdoors, and connecting with others can make a big difference.
5. Negativity Is Contagious
It can become a self-fulfilling prophecy if everyone is told to feel sad on Blue Monday. Flip the narrative! Use it as an opportunity to spread positivity and encouragement.
Final Thoughts
Blue Monday may be a myth, but it does shine a light on the importance of mental well-being, particularly during the darker winter months. For us, it’s a chance to flip the script, help candidates find their spark, and remind everyone that any day can be the start of something great. After all, recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about changing lives. So, rather than being gloomy our teams are embracing the energy and making Blue Monday anything but blue!
Ready to turn your own Blue Monday into a fresh start? Click here to explore exciting opportunities and take the first step toward a brighter future!
