New Year, New You: What January Really Looks Like in the Workplace

January is all about fresh starts. New routines, better habits and good intentions. But when everyone returns to work after the festive season, the reality isn’t always as clean-cut as the slogan suggests.

Late nights, disrupted sleep, heavier drinking and socialising in December don’t magically reset on 1 January. For some employees, January becomes a balancing act, trying to get back into routine while still dealing with the after-effects of the festive period. For employers, this makes January an important moment to pay attention.

Why January Can Be a Pressure Point

December can disrupt normal routines and behaviours. January marks a return to structure, expectations and performance standards, which can be challenging for some employees.

At this time of year, employees may be more likely to be:

• Experiencing fatigue due to disrupted sleep.
• Attempting to reduce or reset alcohol or substance use.
• Managing financial pressure following the festive period.
• Experiencing low mood or reduced motivation.
• Continuing to work while not operating at 100%.

These factors are not always openly discussed. When left unrecognised, they can contribute to reduced performance, increased risk and wider workplace impact.

What Employers should watch for

The impact isn’t always obvious at first. More often, it shows up in subtle ways that build over time:

Lingering fatigue and brain fog
Reduced focus, slower decisions and small but frequent mistakes, particularly in the first weeks back.

Presenteeism
Employees are present, but not fully effective. Productivity dips, errors rise and pressure shifts to colleagues.

Lower energy and shorter tempers
Tiredness, irritability or withdrawal can affect communication, morale and team dynamics.

Slips in judgement and safety
In safety-critical roles, even mild impairment or distraction can significantly increase risk.

See more info here: Impact of Festive Drinking and Substance Use: the Morning After

How Employers can set the tone for the year ahead

January is a great chance to reset expectations for the year ahead.

Simple actions make a big difference:

• Clear reminders around alcohol and drug policies.
• Open, supportive conversations about wellbeing.
• Managers who know what to look for and how to respond early.
• Encouraging healthier routines rather than unrealistic pressure.
• Using testing appropriately where safety or compliance matters.

When this is framed as part of a New Year reset, it feels supportive not punitive.

A Better Way to Start the Year

Most people return in January with good intentions and a desire to get back on track. Employers who recognise that this is a period of adjustment, rather than an instant reset, are better placed to support their teams, protect safety and maintain performance.

A new year brings new routines and with the right support in place, everyone is better set up to succeed.

Contact us today:

As teams return to work and routines reset, January is an important time to review how alcohol and drug-related risks are managed in the workplace. Randox Testing Services supports employers with practical guidance, policy support and accredited testing services to help maintain safety, performance and compliance throughout the year.

Whether you’re reviewing existing controls or strengthening your approach for the year ahead, our team is here to support you.

Email: testingservices@randox.com

Phone: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011

LinkedIn: Randox Testing Services

Learn more about our services at: Randox Drug & Alcohol Testing Services