How to get your teams to re-focus after holiday breaks!
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Getting your team to refocus after a holiday break is important…while the break itself is necessary, people are still in “holiday mode”, and not fully re-engaged in the dynamics of the work environment!
Remember how people feel! People may feel a bit down or sluggish after time off, especially after a relaxing or exciting break. Coming back to a full inbox or a pile of tasks can feel stressful…but some people feel refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges after the break. Some may daydream about their time off and feel a bit of a longing to go back!
What then has to happen?
Where the break has been for all…longer spells which will include Easter with days added on for school holidays, it’s important to start with a short, positive team meeting. Recap what’s coming up, acknowledge the break with active engagement, and re-align goals. Keep it light, just setting the mood and no more! Be sincere with an active interest in what people have done.
Think about short-term objectives which might include breaking bigger projects into small, quick wins to build momentum, and build the “feel good” factor.
Make the first week back feel manageable and stimulating without over burdening people with bigger tasks. Its almost like driving a car…into first and then move through the gears! You will soon be racing ahead!
Encourage casual catch-ups over coffee, and make sure your teams feel energised and collectively are ready to start to hit the ground running! Its then important over the following days to reset routines and get back to “business as usual.”
As a Leader, you need to lead by example and your energy & enthusiasm will set the tone. Positivity and re-focus will help your teams to both deliver against key objectives and while still refreshed from the break. Bear in mind that a car that has not been used for a week, can be slower off the mark, so you may not get peak productivity straight away.
Of course, some of your teams and people may be working from home! What happens then? Ever more important to engage with them, and early in the first morning to include them in a call. Make them feel valued…your people are your greatest asset.
You set the tone…you set the mood…light the flame for your people!
“A strong culture enables employees to feel empowered, confident and comfortable”.
Ryan Holmes, CEO of Hootsuite
