As the winter months draw in, many people brace themselves for more than just colder weather. For a significant number of adults across the UK, the shorter days, darker evenings and busier schedules of December can bring an unexpected rise in loneliness.
In fact, research shows that loneliness spikes during winter, particularly in the lead up to Christmas. While it’s a season often associated with celebration, family and connection, it can also highlight what’s missing. For those who live alone, are navigating personal challenges, or feel isolated in their daily lives, December can be one of the hardest times of the year.
Arthur Ellis Mental Health Foundation sees first-hand how these seasonal pressures affect wellbeing, not only at home, but also in workplaces across all sectors. But while winter loneliness is common, it is not inevitable. Small, meaningful actions, both individually and within organisations, can make a significant difference.
Small habits that support wellbeing
One of the tools used by Arthur Ellis across all age groups is Bananas and Doughnuts Framework. This is a simple, memorable model that helps people understand their wellbeing habits and how they impact mental health.
Bananas represent small, positive behaviours that nourish our wellbeing: move, focus, discover, communicate and help. Each of these behaviours trigger changes in the brain and body, helping the individual feel more stable, connected and resilient.
Doughnuts, by contrast, represent replacement behaviours. These are the things we turn to for comfort or distraction when life becomes overwhelming. They often feel good in the moment, like scrolling for hours or withdrawing from others, but over time they chip away at our wellbeing. In winter, when motivation dips and routines are disrupted, it becomes much easier to reach for doughnuts instead of bananas.
That’s why December is the perfect time to gently refocus on small, manageable habits.
A 20-minute walk, a catch up with a colleague, trying a new recipe, volunteering for an hour: none of these will transform a whole season, but together, they help counteract the heaviness winter can bring.
How workplaces can play a vital role
Loneliness is often at its worst not at home, but during the working day. In fact, workplace loneliness is estimated to affect around nine million people across the UK.
The good news is that workplaces can be one of the most powerful environments for prevention and support.
To make it easier for organisations, Arthur Ellis offers Workplace Memberships which combine workplace-focused training with community impact.
Memberships include:
- Interactive wellbeing workshops using the Bananas & Doughnuts Framework
- Wellbeing Champion training to strengthen internal support networks
- Bespoke Wellbeing Conversation training podcasts created with your own teams
Crucially, every membership directly funds one-to-one mental health support for people across the UK, at a time when demand has never been higher.
For HR leaders planning their 2026 people strategies, memberships provide a ready-made, consistent wellbeing structure which help teams thrive, even through the most challenging seasons.
As we head into December, prioritising connection is one of the most powerful things any of us can do, for ourselves and for the people around us. Loneliness may be common in winter, but together we can help ensure no one faces it alone.
To find out more about support available through the Workplace Membership Programme visit their website.
