“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” — Albert Camus
Now that we’re in February, we’re fully in the thick of the Canadian winter. The holiday season is long behind us, the days still feel short, and many workers find themselves running low on energy or motivation. For many people, this is peak burnout season.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) further contributes to this winter slump. SAD happens when shorter, darker days disrupt your internal clock and affect the brain chemicals that regulate mood and energy. About 2-3% of Canadians experience clinical SAD, while roughly 15% experience milder “winter blues.” Symptoms can include low mood, irritability, and a stronger urge to withdraw or stay indoors.
For many Canadian workers, PTO resets on January 1st, meaning you start the year with a clean slate of available vacation or personal days. Many workplaces also have “use it or lose it” policies, so unused days won’t roll over. This makes the winter months an ideal time to recharge.
This month’s blog explores the mental health benefits of taking time off during the winter, how PTO supports productivity and work-life harmony, getaway ideas, ways to overcome common barriers, a quick planning checklist, and how Staff Shop approaches PTO within our culture.
Mental health benefits of a winter break
Using PTO can be surprisingly effective for managing winter mood changes. A planned break helps you rest, get sunlight during daytime hours, spend time outdoors, or reconnect with others – activities that winter often pushes aside. Whether it’s a weekend away or a single day to reset, breaking up long stretches of routine provides a meaningful psychological boost. There is strong evidence that vacations support mood, reduce stress, and help people return to work feeling more balanced and energized.
Productivity and performance gains
Taking time off isn’t just good for well-being, it improves focus, creativity, and overall performance. Employees who detach from work return with clearer thinking and stronger problem-solving skills than those who stay constantly “switched on.” Time away also reduces burnout and fatigue, leading to fewer mistakes and greater engagement. For employers, this results in a healthier, more productive workforce with lower long-term absenteeism.
Work‑life harmony and long‑term well‑being
By February, many people begin saving their PTO for the summer, sometimes pushing themselves through winter despite caregiving responsibilities, financial pressures, and low energy. Using Paid Time Off during the colder months can help you recharge, reconnect, and maintain the balance needed to manage the season’s challenges.
Work-life harmony is especially important during winter, when shorter days and colder weather can intensify stress. Because your personal life and work life influence each other, carving out time for rest and activities you enjoy helps protect your energy year-round. Using PTO, taking breaks, and setting boundaries are practical ways to support your mental health while staying focused and productive at work.
Ideas for winter getaways and staycations
Now for the fun part…planning your time off. Whether you are taking a week away to recharge, or a long weekend to reset, it all contributes to improving your mood.
Winter getaways
- Sunny destinations: The Caribbean offers many warm, all-inclusive options with choices for a range of budgets. Research the islands and resorts that best suit your needs (adult only, family-friendly, dietary options, etc.)
- Stay cool in Canada: If you prefer embracing winter, Canada has world-class destinations such as Whistler, Banff, Mont-Tremblant, and Quebec City. Ontario’s small towns, like Niagara-on-the-Lake, are also great winter spots.
Choose what feels most restorative—sun or snow, spa days or skiing.
Staycations
For a more budget-friendly option:
- Explore museums or restaurants you’ve been meaning to try
- Go winter hiking
- Visit a local spa
- Spend a day outdoors
- Plan cozy at-home activities
Whatever you choose, treat it like a real vacation: turn off notifications, set boundaries with colleagues, and give yourself permission to fully unplug.
Overcoming common barriers to taking PTO
Guilt and workplace culture
Many Canadians hesitate to use their PTO due to guilt about workload or team perception. Fewer than half used all their vacation days in 2023, and many continue checking email during PTO. Normalizing time off and framing it as a tool for maintaining effectiveness helps shift workplace culture in a healthier direction.
Financial concerns
January and February can be financially tight, but restorative breaks don’t have to be expensive. Consider local trips, off-peak travel, or staycations with small treats or planned activities. A modest “winter recharge” budget can go a long way.
There are plenty of great AI-powered apps and websites out there that can search for the best deals on flights and accommodations. Try Axel or Triips to scan for price drops and the latest deals.
“Too busy” and planning obstacles
Booking PTO in advance helps with workload distribution and reduces the stress of stepping away. Simple coverage plans, such as handover notes, shared calendars, and clear expectations, make time off smoother for everyone.
Why does planning ahead make it better?
- You will feel more rested and relaxed leading up to and on your vacation.
- You will have something exciting to look forward to, which is a mood booster in and of itself!
- You can mentally prepare for this downtime.
- It allows your colleagues to better plan for your absence.
Last minute planning can make the trip feel stressful, rather than exciting. The anticipation should be almost as good as the vacation itself. You will feel better once you are away knowing that everything at work is covered in your absence, allowing you to fully relax. Your vacation will not feel like a burden if you properly plan for it.
Quick planning checklist
Here is a quick planning checklist to help you make the most of your winter break!
- Decide: sunny trip, snowy escape, or staycation?
- Book PTO dates and block your calendar, once approved.
- Prepare coverage or handoff notes.
- Set boundaries for unplugging.
- Choose 3–5 activities that help you feel genuinely rested.
The Staff Shop Way
Staff Shop was remote-first before it was trendy. Our Freedom Model values results over hours and gives employees flexibility while emphasizing accountability, communication, and alignment with individual strengths.
Employees begin accruing PTO from day one, reaching full accrual after their first year. Personal days cover illness, emergencies, and family needs. Because PTO doesn’t carry over, employees are encouraged to recharge regularly. Requesting time off is simple, and our team prepares by finishing key tasks, rescheduling meetings, using auto-responders, and providing clear handover notes. This ensures smooth coverage and allows employees to truly step away and return refreshed.
And yes, we always want to see photos when you get back!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Staff Shop approach to work and PTO, contact us. We love sharing what we’ve learned as a fully remote organization.
“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” — Maya Angelou
