Work breaks are essential for everyone’s mental health and well-being. But after extended time away, it can be tough for everyone to settle back into a routine. After the holiday season, getting your team back on track is key to starting the year strong. Let’s take a look at some strategies to re-engage employees, rebuild momentum, and foster a collaborative environment.
Set Goals
It will be far easier to re-engage your employees and get everyone working smoothly again if you’re all moving in the same direction. As soon as everyone is back, sit down with your department heads to set annual, quarterly, and monthly goals. Then ask them to communicate those goals to their teams as soon as possible.
Ramp up Slowly
You may be ready to hit the ground running, but your employees might need a little extra time to re-engage. Don’t expect too much in the first week back. Give everyone the chance to absorb the new goals and settle back into a rhythm.
Hold Teambuilding Activities
Help everyone get their collaborative juices flowing by hosting some team-building activities throughout January. Scavenger hunts, softball leagues, and off-campus escape rooms are just a few of your options. Remember that anything that takes place after work should be optional rather than required.
Implement a Reward Program
Everyone likes to be rewarded for their hard work, and some incentives may be just what you need to re-engage and get your team members back to full productivity. Start an employee of the month program or ask everyone to publicly recognize one person’s contributions at each meeting. Another fun idea is a “traveling trophy.” Choose something large and ridiculous that can be written on and declare it your new office trophy. Every Friday after, an exceptional employee gets possession of the trophy for the upcoming week. The next Friday, they autograph it and pass it on to the next person recognized.
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