These are the cities hit hardest by the winter blues

These are the cities hit hardest by the winter blues These are the cities hit hardest by the winter blues With last week’s “bomb cyclone” and a weekend of ghastly, ice-cold temperatures, it’s easy to feel like all you want to do is crawl back under the covers instead of heading to work in the morning.Apparently, that’s how a lot of cities feel. Top among them: Pittsburgh.The city was ranked as the top city where the winter season brings workers down emotionally,  according to new research from Accountemps, which surveyed more than 2,700 office workers in the U.S. who were age 18 and up.So how does your city stack up?Cities where winter harms workers’ moods1. Pittsburgh2. Detroit3. Cleveland4.  Chicago5.  Boston6. Indianapolis7.  MinneapolisCities where winter helps workers’ moods1. Phoenix2. Miami / San Diego (tied)4. Austin5. Dallas, Los Angeles, Houston (tied)Tips for surviving a harsh winter when taking time off isn’t an optionHere’s what employers and employees can do…Work from home when you canStaying at home instead of braving crazy cold temperatures might just warm up your mood. Just make sure you’re prepared to work as efficiently as possible - have your work passwords on hand, and bring home your work laptop and/or any files you need.You’ll still have tasks to finish when toiling away at home, but taking the commute off the table for a day is a nice way to slow down during a hectic week.Ensure that employees actually want to come to workMichael Steinitz, executive director of Accountemps, commented on the research in a statement, showing how companies can help.“Winter doldrums are a reality at work in some cities, often due to colder weather, fewer hours of daylight and holiday festivities ending,” he said. “Employers can do their part to lift morale by fostering a collaborative, engaging and supportive office culture year-round.”Embrace ‘hygge’ by making your workspace cozyNo, you probably won’t be able to burn candles - commonly associated with the Danish winter philosophy of  hygge - at your corporate desk.But th at doesn’t mean you can’t be bundled up. If your office insists on keeping the temperature down, bundle up with scarfs and extra sweaters. Also keep an extra hat and a set of gloves in a desk drawer.Make sure you always have access to a hot drink to perk you up, and bring your own tea bags from home if your office pantry isn’t stocked up with the flavors you’re craving.