October Self-Care for Leaders and Employees: Practical Strategies for Workplace Wellbeing
Introduction: Why October is the Month for Self-Care
October marks a pivotal point in the workplace calendar. The days grow shorter, the pace at work quickens, and the pressure to meet year-end goals can mount. For leaders and employees alike, this season brings both opportunity and challenge. At Pegasus Benefits Ltd, we’re dedicating October to self-care—for you, your team, and your organisation.
Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. When leaders model self-care, employees are more likely to follow suit, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire organisation. This comprehensive guide will provide you with actionable self-care strategies, practical advice, and links to the best UK resources to help you and your team thrive this October and beyond.
Why Self-Care Matters for Leaders and Employees
Research consistently shows that self-care is the foundation of sustainable leadership and high-performing teams. When self-care is prioritised, organisations experience:
Improved productivity and focus
Reduced stress and burnout
Higher retention and engagement
Stronger workplace culture
Better mental and physical health
Despite these benefits, many leaders and employees struggle to make self-care a priority. According to Harvard Business Review, even experienced leaders often lack a regular self-care practice, despite knowing its importance. October, with its focus on mental health (including World Mental Health Day on 10th October) and wellbeing campaigns, is the perfect time to reset and build new habits.
The Five Pillars of Self-Care at Work
1. Physical
Move More: Encourage walking meetings, lunchtime yoga, or step challenges. Even short bursts of movement can boost mood and energy. Consider using apps like NHS Couch to 5K or joining a local Parkrun.
Eat Well: Provide healthy snacks in the office and share recipes for nutritious autumn meals. The British Nutrition Foundation offers excellent resources for workplace nutrition.
Rest and Sleep: Promote regular breaks and respect boundaries around after-hours emails. Encourage employees to use their annual leave and take time to recharge.
2. Mental
Mindfulness and Meditation: Offer guided sessions or share apps like Headspace and NHS audio guides. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety and improve focus, especially during busy periods.
Journaling: Encourage employees to keep a gratitude or reflection journal, especially during busy periods. Journaling can help process emotions and foster a positive mindset.
Learning and Growth: Support professional development—October is Computer Learning Month, so why not master a new skill? Online platforms like FutureLearn and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses.
3. Emotional
Open Conversations: Create safe spaces for employees to talk about stress, anxiety, or personal challenges. Use resources from Mind and Mental Health UK for guidance.
Celebrate Achievements: Recognise milestones, big or small, to boost morale. A simple “thank you” can go a long way.
Practice Gratitude: Start meetings with a round of “what went well this week?” to foster a culture of appreciation.
4. Social
Connect: Organise coffee catch-ups, team lunches, or virtual socials. October is perfect for autumn walks or Halloween-themed events.
Support Networks: Encourage peer support and buddy systems, especially for remote or hybrid teams. Consider setting up a mentoring programme.
5. Professional
Set Boundaries: Leaders should model healthy boundaries—no emails after 6pm, for example. Encourage employees to disconnect after work hours.
Delegate: Don’t try to do it all. Empower your team and trust them with responsibility.
Seek Support: Use Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) or external coaching when needed. Remind employees that it’s okay to ask for help.
October Self-Care Activities: Seasonal Tips for Leaders and Teams
October is packed with opportunities to weave self-care into your workday. Here are some ideas for leaders and employees:
For Everyone
Take a Nature Walk: Enjoy the autumn colours and fresh air—great for mental clarity and stress relief. The Woodland Trust has a directory of local walks.
Try a New Hobby: Knitting, baking, or gardening can be surprisingly restorative. The Royal Horticultural Society offers tips for autumn gardening.
Declutter Your Workspace: A tidy desk can help clear your mind. The Marie Kondo method is a popular approach.
Celebrate World Smile Day (4th October): Share a smile and positive feedback with colleagues.
Participate in Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Wear pink, share resources, and encourage annual screenings. Visit Breast Cancer Now for more information.
For Leaders
Host a Self Care Workshop: Bring in a wellbeing expert or use free toolkits from MHFA England or Mind.
Share a Self-Care Checklist: Use the Harvard Business Review’s five-part checklist for leaders: body budget, emotional health, choice points, growth, and nourishment.
Promote Flexible Working: Allow employees to adjust hours for family or self-care needs.
Lead by Example: Take your own breaks, talk openly about self-care, and encourage your team to do the same.
For Teams
Spirit Week: Organise themed days—Pajama Day, Crazy Sock Day, or Company Colour Day—to boost morale.
Wellbeing Challenges: Run a hydration or step challenge, or a “gratitude wall” where employees post positive notes.
Halloween Fun: Host a costume contest, pumpkin carving, or a spooky bake-off.
Self Care for Specific Roles: Tailored Tips
HR Managers
Resource Hub: Curate a library of self-care and mental health resources for staff (see links below).
Wellness Action Plans: Use templates from Mind to help employees identify their wellbeing needs.
Policy Review: Ensure your benefits and policies support flexible working, mental health days, and access to support.
Managing Directors
ROI on Wellbeing: Invest in benefits that improve retention and productivity—wellbeing is good for business.
Strategic Communication: Share the business case for self-care with your leadership team.
Model Balance: Take visible breaks and encourage others to do the same.
Operations Directors
Creative Breaks: Schedule “no meeting” hours for deep work or creative thinking.
Burnout Prevention: Monitor workloads and encourage regular check-ins.
Team Building: Use self-care team activities to foster collaboration and reduce stress.
Legal Office Managers
Compliance and Wellbeing: Balance regulatory requirements with staff wellbeing—use checklists and templates from Mental Health UK.
Time Management: Delegate administrative tasks where possible to free up time for strategic improvements.
Support Networks: Encourage staff to use peer support and professional development opportunities.
Useful Self-Care and Wellbeing Resources (UK-Focused)
NHS Self-Help: Tips, guides, and activities for mental health and wellbeing
NHS Self-HelpMind: Free resources for managers and staff, including Wellness Action Plans
Mind Workplace ResourcesMental Health UK: Downloadable guides, conversation starters, and wellbeing plans
Mental Health UK ResourcesMHFA England: Free toolkits, posters, and guidance for workplaces
MHFA England ResourcesLiving Life to the Full: Free online courses and resources for wellbeing
https://www.llttf.com/Headspace: Guided meditation and mindfulness app
https://www.headspace.com/Action for Happiness: Monthly wellbeing calendars and daily actions
Optimistic October CalendarGet Self Help: Free CBT worksheets and self-help guides
Get Self HelpSelf-UK: Directory of local mental health services and support
Self-UK
Pegasus Benefits Ltd: Our Commitment to Your Wellbeing
At Pegasus Benefits Ltd, we believe that self-care is the foundation of a thriving workplace. We work with conscious companies to develop employee benefits that address real needs—from flexible working and mental health support to menopause awareness and beyond. Our mission is to empower leaders and employees to prioritise wellbeing, not just in October, but all year round.
If you’d like tailored advice, resources, or support for your team, get in touch with us today.
Conclusion: Make October Your Month of Self-Care
Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. By taking small, consistent steps this October, you can boost your own wellbeing and set a powerful example for your team. Whether you’re leading a business, managing a team, or supporting colleagues behind the scenes, your wellbeing matters.
Need More Support?
Pegasus Benefits Ltd is here to help you build a culture of wellbeing.
Visit: https://www.pegasushealth.uk
Contact us for tailored employee health and wellbeing benefits, programs and resources.
