As spring arrives and the clocks go forward, longer daylight hours may offer a natural boost to workplace well-being, according to an expert who says the seasonal shift can improve energy levels, concentration and productivity.
Research from health and safety training provider Astutis highlights the scale of stress in UK workplaces. Its Workplace Silent Stress Survey 2025, based on responses from 553 participants, found that 52.6% of respondents admitted to making mistakes at work due to stress.
The survey also found that 27.8% of respondents have taken at least one sick day because they felt overwhelmed. A further 28.5% reported missing deadlines due to stress, while 32.9% said they had clashed with team members as a result of feeling stressed.
Brenig Moore, technical director at Astutis and a chartered safety practitioner with qualifications including DipNEBOSH, CMIOSH, and CEnvH, said the transition into spring offers a chance to counter some of these pressures.
“Longer days help reset your body’s natural wake-sleep cycle, keeping energy levels steadier and reducing the mid-afternoon slump. Even a short walk outdoors can lift your mood, improve concentration, and leave you feeling more motivated throughout the day,” Moore said.
5 benefits of spring daylight at work
Moore said increased daylight and time outdoors can support workers in several ways:
- Boosts productivity and alertness: Natural light helps regulate circadian rhythms, making it easier to stay focused and reducing fatigue.
- Supports mental well-being: Increased sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which can improve mood and resilience.
- Encourages movement: Longer days make it easier to spend time outdoors, and activities such as a lunchtime walk can help ease stiffness and counter the effects of prolonged sitting.
- Improves decision-making: Stepping away from screens and getting natural light can refresh the brain and support clearer thinking.
- Enhances energy and motivation: Extended daylight can help workers maintain steadier energy levels throughout the day.
The Astutis survey also highlighted concerns about how comfortable employees feel raising stress-related issues at work.
Fewer than 5% of respondents said they would speak to their manager about stress concerns. Only 4.7% said they would raise the issue with managers, while 1.3% would approach leadership teams.
Moore said this reluctance to speak up could have wider consequences for organisations. “Not only did over half of respondents admit to making mistakes at work due to stress, but fewer than 5% said they would speak to their manager about their concerns. These results are concerning and highlight the need for immediate action.”
“These figures point to a widespread workplace culture where employees may not feel safe or comfortable raising issues. When stress goes unspoken, it doesn’t disappear, it builds. Over time, that can contribute to errors, reduced productivity, and in some cases workplace accidents.”
“If concerns aren’t addressed at source, the impact is almost always negative for both individuals and the wider organisation.”
Based on the findings, the Astutis team is urging employers to review their internal processes and workplace culture to ensure there are clear and trusted channels for employees to raise concerns with managers and leadership teams.
Moore added that seasonal changes can also affect workers’ routines, mood and resilience, meaning employers should remain mindful of how these shifts influence staff well-being.
“Being mindful of these quieter, often overlooked pressures, and proactively supporting staff, can make a meaningful difference to well-being, engagement, and overall performance.”