Leading through the winter: Three ways women in project management can foster team resilience and prioritise wellbeing

The darker days, colder weather and the potential for lower energy levels we deal with in the winter months bring challenges for all project managers, but women in particular can face additional pressures. Stemming from societal expectations, gender roles and the mental and physical demands placed on them both at home and work, women are more likely to experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), making it harder to stay energised and focused. In addition, the challenges of managing teams and keeping them motivated during winter can be felt across the profession. However, women might experience more "invisible labor" during these times, as they may be expected to play the role of “team nurturer” or “empathiser” while also keeping their projects moving forward.

Winter doesn’t have to mean burnout — but how can project leaders integrate practices that prioritise both personal and team wellbeing? We’ve put together three strategies women (and people of all genders!) in project management can utilise to not only navigate the season with strength, but actually emerge stronger.

1. Foster a positive and proactive culture

Winter can take a toll on both physical and mental health, so it's crucial for project managers to lead with empathy. As a leader, showing understanding when team members seem less energetic or struggle with the seasonal blues helps build trust and loyalty. Even simply recognising the signs of stress, fatigue, or SAD and reaching out to check in and offer support can make a world of difference.

However, don’t fall into the trap of carrying the burden of your team’s wellbeing as a woman leading the team. Ensure that wellness isn’t just an individual responsibility but a collective one. Encourage wellness initiatives such as challenges where teams track steps, healthy meals, or mindfulness sessions together. Foster a culture where team members feel comfortable expressing when they’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or disconnected, and crucially, where they feel comfortable reaching out not just to you, but to each other.

A team with a strong and empathetic culture will naturally check in with and offer support to each other, with a positive impact on the whole team’s wellbeing while still giving you as the leader the space to prioritise yourself. This culture can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving through the winter season.

2. Set boundaries for yourself and your team

As women in project management, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of deadlines and deliverables. However, the winter months are a reminder that even leaders need to slow down, rest and replenish their energy. Lead by example by practicing mindful leadership — set boundaries, say "no" when necessary and encourage your team to do the same. Show your team that it’s okay to take breaks, be transparent about taking time off for mental health and prioritise your own wellness. When you lead with compassion and self-care, not only do you set a powerful example for your team to follow, but you protect your own capacity and boundaries, staying mindful of your limits and helping prevent burnout.

On a practical level, demonstrating understanding of some of the more tangible challenges presented by the winter months will demonstrate empathy and understanding to your team, as well as helping them mitigate the effects of these challenges on them and their work. Winter often comes with added external stressors, like unpredictable weather affecting travel to and from work. Be proactive in demonstrating understanding of these potential challenges, making it clear to your team that their safety is a priority and that, for example, they shouldn’t try to travel if it’s not safe, and if travelling is necessary, to ensure they take extra care. Removing the burden of team members worrying about getting to work on time despite weather affecting road safety makes it clear that individual wellbeing takes priority over project pressures.

3. Build resilient teams through winter wellbeing

One of the most important aspects of winter leadership is building team resilience. The winter months can lead to a sense of burnout if not managed carefully, so encouraging healthy habits can keep your team motivated and on track. Whether your team is fully remote, hybrid, or entirely office-based, foster team connection with team-building activities that align with your way of working. Encourage your team to participate in activities that support mental and physical health.

And even though it’s cold, fresh air and movement are vital for both mental clarity and physical health. Promote outdoor breaks, whether for a short walk or a stretching session, as part of the team’s routine. Something as simple as suggesting a walk at lunch — whether that’s together when you’re in the office, or reminding team members working from home to make time to get outside — can help to reset and combat the physical slump that winter often brings, and promote resilience within your team.

Finally, celebrate the small wins and take time to acknowledge individual and team achievements, even if they seem minor. Winter can feel long and tedious, so it’s important to celebrate victories big and small — these celebrations can lift spirits and keep motivation high through the season.