Marking the 20th anniversary of ‘Blue Monday’, we explore some of the challenges fintechs are facing at the start of 2025 and in turn, how moods can be lifted and how attitudes towards the ‘worst day of the year’ can be changed.
Two decades ago, the term ‘Blue Monday’ was created after it was supposedly calculated by Sky Travel that the third week of January was the most depressing day of the year. While there were a lot of timely things taking place in 2005 that impacted the results, like the weather and the state of the economy, some factors haven’t changed 20 years later, like the gloomy reality of returning to work after the holiday season. For those going into the office, it’s arguably worse as they go to work in the dark and come home in the dark too.
But from a fintech standpoint, how does Blue Monday impact the ecosystem?
Business spending
According to Allstar, the EV and fuel expense payment company, ensuring issues like late payments are dealt with in good time is an absolute must to avoid productivity lulls during late January. Allstar published research with a polling firm, Censuswide surveying 500 UK SME business owners and decision-makers, and found that over half (54 per cent) cite cash flow as an issue and up to 70 per cent say that the burden of cash flow and admin has significantly hampered business growth.
Blue Monday has very real implications across the board with the post-holiday season leaving many with squeezed pay packets and budgets. Given that 80 per cent of workers said that they are more productive when they are healthy and happy, Blue Monday may even result in reduced productivity, impacting and adding even more strain on businesses which may already be feeling the pinch when it comes to cash flow as late payments are costing them £22,000 a year on average.

Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ Fleet at Corpay, including UK brand, Allstar said: “It’s a tough climate for the UK’s SMEs; our insights show that one of the biggest issues that are impacting cash flow are late payments, something that kills 50,000 businesses in the UK every year. And while Blue Monday might not be grounded in science there is a lot to be said for the change in behaviours and attitudes around this time of year.”
“Business owners and proprietors can take a proactive approach to mitigating these issues, with the aim of simplifying their operations and improving efficiencies, making these arduous tasks less work. An all-in-one solution achieves this by enabling more simplicity and easier management.”
Workplace appreciation
In addition to simplifying tasks to improve efficiencies, employers also have a responsibility to ensure employees feel valued. For a lot of people, December can be a very costly month, and the impact of this spending is often felt in January. With many employees feel like they are desperately counting down the days until payday, employers have a responsibility to ensure they are taking care of employees through tough times.
One way is through employee appreciation. For businesses and employers, appreciation helps lower employee turnover, absenteeism and stress – key factors that can drain resources and therefore lower profits.
According to research from Reward Gateway, a company providing employee engagement tools and products, 75 per cent of employees actively explored new opportunities in January, with activity on Glassdoor company profiles increasing by an average of 55 per cent during this period. This showcases the levels of discontent currently.
This report highlights that appreciation is not just an effective strategy for fostering employee happiness, but also a smart investment that leads to increased productivity, thereby enhancing overall business results.
The findings of the report reveal the impact of appreciation as a powerful driver of workplace success, with outcomes of feeling appreciated including:
- working harder (88 per cent)
- being more engaged (91 per cent)
- feeling more loyal to their employer (88 per cent)
- taking on extra work (73 per cent)
A supportive culture

Going beyond workplace appreciation, Gregor Mowat, co-CEO and co-founder, Loqbox, the credit builder explores the theme of fostering a supportive culture. Not only do employers need to show appreciation for their employees’ work, but they also need to show a human element and show care for their financial wellbeing, which can sometimes be lost in the employer-employee relationship.
Mowat says: “Financial wellbeing shouldn’t feel like a taboo topic. Firms must create a workplace culture where conversations about money are normalised and solutions are accessible. Whether that’s providing one-on-one coaching, peer networks, or reinforcing employee assistance programmes (EAPs), the key is making sure your team knows help is just a call or click away.
“Blue Monday doesn’t have to live up to its name. Instead, it can serve as a moment to inspire positive change – offering your employees the support they need to feel more secure and motivated. By prioritising financial wellbeing, you’re not just helping individuals – you’re building a stronger, happier workforce for the year ahead.”
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