Checked Out? Here’s How to Recharge and Crush 2025

Let’s be real. By this time of year, most people are mentally on a beach somewhere—even if their bodies are still glued to a desk. Emails get ignored, deadlines pushed, and productivity hits a low hum.

The end of the year is your team’s reset button—if you know how to use it.

As a leader, you’re in a position to help employees maximize their downtime, so they come back recharged, not just rested. Here’s how to support them (and yourself) in getting the most from the holidays:

1. Real Rest Means No Emails—Unless the Building’s on Fire

It’s tempting to sneak in a “quick” check-in or send a “just following up” message over the break. Don’t. True rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s about shutting off the noise. Make it clear: no emails unless it’s mission-critical. Everything else can wait until January.

Give your team permission to step back fully—and do it yourself. A disconnected leader sets the tone for everyone else to truly recharge.

2. Encourage Reflection, Not Resolutions

Resolutions are overrated. They’re often big, vague, and abandoned by February. Instead, encourage your team to reflect on the year:

• What went well?
• What drained their energy?
• What do they want to keep doing next year?

When they return, encourage them to take those answers and turn them into something actionable. Whether it’s doubling down on what works, dropping what doesn’t, or setting small, clear goals for growth, this reflection can spark a purposeful and energized start to the year.

3. Give Tools for a Gentle Jumpstart

The first week back in January can feel like hitting a wall. Help your team re-enter with intention by offering tools that ease the transition:

• Short, focused planning sessions to align personal goals with work priorities.
• Flex start options, like easing into schedules with late mornings or shorter days that first week.
• Encourage personal resets, like organizing desks, decluttering to-do lists, or focusing on achievable wins for the first few days.

Think of it like warming up an engine: gentle, intentional steps that spark momentum for the year ahead.

This approach doesn’t just optimize your team for 2025—it shows you understand that wellbeing is essential for performance.

Close the Year Strong: Lead by Letting Go

2024 was a grind for everyone. The best thing you can do as a leader is let people really step away.

Because when the emails stop, the quiet starts. That’s where clarity, creativity, and momentum for 2025 will come from.

So put your out-of-office reply on. Mean it. And let your team do the same.

See you next year—better than ever.