For many people, the fall is always an exciting time of year. The leaves are changing — depending on where you live — and the holidays bring families together, and you get to have everything flavored like pumpkin spice. But for some people, the fall can bring a sense of disconnect in the workplace.

There are a few reasons why you may start to feel left out at work once the fall season comes around. You might have a type of job where there is pressure toward the end of the year to meet goals, or where fall is a busy season, leaving co-workers less time to socialize. 

The changing of the seasons can also cause you and your co-workers to experience seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD. This is a type of depression that causes symptoms to appear in a seasonal pattern, especially during the  fall and winter due to reduced daylight and circadian rhythm disruptions. 

But connecting with co-workers brings many benefits, including:

• More enjoyment going to work
• Feeling connected to your company for increased productivity
• Trusting others to help you with tasks or assignments
• Effective collaboration and communication for efficiency 
• Reduced stress 
• Gaining insight and support for long-term professional growth

4 things to try if you’re feeling left out at work

If you’re trying to strengthen your connections with your co-workers as the end of the year inches closer, here are a few strategies that are worth testing out:

• Ask questions about them, not their work

Not everyone loves small talk, but it can be an opening to conversations that help you truly get to know your co-workers. By asking them questions about their interests or sharing funny stories, you can see what you have in common. They’ll also see that you want to genuinely connect with them as a person and not just as a co-worker.

Here are a few questions you can ask during lunch or at the water cooler:

• “Do you have any hobbies?”
• “Do you have any vacations coming up?”
• “Is there a passion project that you’ve been working on?”

• Acknowledge their accomplishments

When you’re at work, it can be easy to get completely absorbed into your own tasks. But when you’re trying to reconnect with co-workers during the new season, try to make a conscious effort to recognize and celebrate the success of others.

If you see that your co-worker handled a significant amount of work for a project, or that they received positive feedback, offer a genuine compliment or word of encouragement. By acknowledging the success of others, you’re showing that you’re a team player who is aware of what others bring to the table. It also shows that you’re a positive person who doesn’t feel jealous or competitive toward others in the workplace. The friendliness can draw people in.

• Engage fully in team activities 

Let’s face it: Team bonding activities in the workplace may not always be exciting, but they offer an opportunity to connect. While the games and team exercises aren’t always the most fun, it still gives you the opportunity to step away from your desk and connect with your co-workers.

When you’re trying to find your place at work, try to be as engaged and present as possible in team activities. They can give you the chance to reinforce teamwork and show how well you can get along both personally and professionally.

• Participate in a social get-together 

Having functions outside of work, or trying to go to happy hour after you clock out, isn’t unusual for any workplace. You may even have a “Secret Santa” or holiday celebration coming up. But any sort of social activity that takes place outside of work hours is an opportunity to let loose a bit and show more of your personality.

When your co-workers hang out with you outside of work, they may feel more comfortable being themselves and forming deeper connections.

Feeling left out at work can bring you feelings of anxiety and depression due to loneliness, low self-esteem and lack of support during difficult work challenges. But every workday is an opportunity to connect with co-workers who are likely experiencing similar challenges. 

With the end of the year coming up, use fall as an opportunity to reconnect with people at work who you used to have a bond with so that you can go into the new year with strong personal and professional relationships.

If your relationships or productivity have been impacted by severe mental distress, Lightfully can provide intensive support, including:

• Residential Treatment
• Partial Hospitalization Program 
• Intensive Outpatient Program
• Virtual Programs (vPHP and vIOP)

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.