When returning to work after the holidays, many employees find themselves struggling to regain momentum. Some people (41%, according to an American Psychological Association study) experience increased stress over the holidays, and come back to work feeling burned out. And for those who enjoy a leisurely break, the post-holiday slump hits hard when it’s time to get back into a routine.
If unaddressed, this sets a bad tone for the new year. Employee performance may suffer as staff becomes increasingly disengaged.
This transitional period presents a critical opportunity for organizations to reinvigorate their team’s spirit, increase employee engagement, and make goals for the year ahead. Set the stage for success with these tips for boosting employee morale after a holiday break.
Welcome Back Initiatives
Plan for your employees’ return with special welcome back initiatives. Have each manager write a letter that includes an encouraging New Year message for employees, and give it to them with a welcome back care package, which could include coffee shop gift cards, healthy snacks, or branded swag.
Beyond physical gifts, organizations should consider creating a softer reentry experience. This means being intentional about the first week back, potentially reducing meeting loads, offering flexible start times, and providing buffer space for employees to catch up and readjust. Managers can help by prioritizing tasks for their staff.
Goal Setting
Use this time to collaboratively set goals for the new year. Host workshops that allow employees to provide input on team and personal objectives. Encourage employees to reflect on their achievements from the previous year and identify areas for growth.
Break down overarching annual goals into achievable quarterly or monthly milestones, providing a clear roadmap for progress. By fostering a sense of ownership and clarity, employees are more likely to stay motivated and aligned with company priorities.
Wellness Programs
Focus on mental health during this transition. Proactively remind employees about available support resources, such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), mental health hotlines, or counseling services. Plan wellness programs to combat post-holiday blues, like guided meditations or yoga classes.
Offer access to digital stress-management tools, such as mindfulness apps or online courses. Additionally, consider scheduling regular wellness check-ins via meetings or pulse surveys to ensure employees feel supported, creating a workplace culture that values well-being.
Team-Building Activities
Ease back into work and build camaraderie with some team-building activities for post-holiday reengagement. Host events at work like puzzle breaks, a potluck, or office trivia. Virtual or remote teams can host Zoom coffee breaks, virtual Bingo, or collaborative online challenges.
For teams located in the same area, you can even plan something outside of work, like a community service day, karaoke night, or wine tasting.
The key is to create a welcoming, low-pressure environment that helps employees transition back to work smoothly while rebuilding team bonds and maintaining a positive workplace culture. These activities should feel like a refreshing restart rather than an additional source of stress during the post-holiday period. That means no assignments or extra work involved!
Flexible Work Arrangements
Recognize that employees may need time to adjust after the holidays. Offering flexible work arrangements like remote work days, adjusted start times, or a shortened workweek allows employees to ease back into their routines while maintaining productivity.
Flexible arrangements can help alleviate stress for employees juggling post-holiday obligations, such as childcare or travel recovery. Clearly communicate the parameters of flexibility, emphasizing trust and accountability, to foster a supportive and adaptable work environment.
Recognition and Rewards
Show appreciation for employees’ hard work throughout the year by starting January with recognition initiatives. Highlight individual and team accomplishments during a company meeting or through a dedicated email. Consider offering small rewards, such as gift cards, extra PTO, or a catered lunch, to acknowledge employee contributions.
Celebrating achievements reinforces a culture of gratitude and motivates employees to begin the year with enthusiasm. Even non-monetary rewards, like a heartfelt thank-you note, can make a meaningful impact on employee morale.
Clear Communication
Transparent and consistent communication is vital during the return-to-work period. Leadership should provide clear expectations, outline priorities for the new year, and address any potential uncertainties. This might involve company-wide emails, team meetings, or individual check-ins that provide context about organizational goals, upcoming projects, and strategic directions.
Clarity helps reduce anxiety, aligns team members, and creates a sense of purpose and direction. Managers should be particularly attentive to communicating changes, expectations, and support resources available to employees.
Employee Feedback
Want to truly know how to help employees transition back to work after holidays? Ask them. Create channels for employees to provide feedback about the resources or support that would be most appreciated.
Use anonymous surveys, one-on-one check-ins, or team discussions to gather insights. Actively listen to suggestions and implement feasible solutions to demonstrate that employee input matters. Involving employees in shaping workplace strategies builds trust and fosters a sense of ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions regarding improving employee focus after holiday break? Read on for brief answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Why is it Important to Reengage Employees after a Holiday Break?
The transition back to work can be challenging. Employees may experience decreased motivation, reduced productivity, and disconnection from their work. A strategic reengagement approach helps restore enthusiasm, rebuild team momentum, and realign employees with organizational goals, ultimately minimizing post-holiday productivity dips and maintaining a positive workplace culture.
What Are Effective Strategies to Reengage Employees after a Holiday Break?
We recommend the strategies outlined in this article: welcome back initiatives, wellness programs, goal setting, team-building activities, flexible work arrangements, clear communication, soliciting employee feedback, and providing recognition and rewards.
How Can Team-Building Activities Help Reengage Employees?
Team-building activities help rebuild team cohesion and collective energy, encouraging collaboration and mutual support.
How Can Wellness Programs Support Employees after a Holiday Break?
Many people experience increased stress over the holidays, and stress affects work productivity, too. Wellness programs can help employees transition back by offering mental health resources like counseling, stress management workshops, and mindfulness sessions. Encouraging physical activities, such as yoga or fitness classes, can also boost energy and focus.
What Are Ways to Recognize and Reward Employees after a Holiday Break?
Start by highlighting individual and team accomplishments from the year during a company meeting or through a dedicated email. Consider offering small rewards, such as gift cards, extra PTO, or a catered lunch, to acknowledge their contributions.
How Can Setting New Goals Help Reengage Employees?
Setting clear, achievable goals helps employees refocus and find purpose after the holidays. It provides direction, builds momentum, and fosters motivation by aligning efforts with the company’s vision.
What Are Signs that Employees Are Struggling to Reengage after a Holiday Break?
Look for decreased productivity, disengagement during meetings, missed deadlines, or increased absenteeism.
How Paycor Helps
When it comes to reenergizing your team after the holidays or even engaging employees year-round, Paycor offers solutions. Paycor Talent Development Software enables managers to solicit feedback, provide meaningful performance reviews, and celebrate their team’s wins. From pulse surveys to a learning management system, our sophisticated software empowers organizations to create meaningful employee experiences that extend far beyond the initial return-to-work period. Learn more about Paycor’s talent solutions with a demo.