How do I help my team to return to work after a holiday?

Holidays are essential for our companies, our employees, and our country. They give us the opportunity to commemorate important dates and keep in our memory the history of thousands of people who, working unceasingly in their fields, helped to build our country. Also, they let companies take a moment of reflection and analysis on their strategies, and, finally, they are a fundamental incentive for our workforce.

It has been widely proved that festivities have a positive impact on the well-being of our employees, as they use this time to spend time with their families and have personal time for themselves, increasing their level of happiness. According to a study conducted by the University of Warwick, a happy employee is 12% more productive and 31% more efficient… something that every company wants.

...a happy employee is 12% more productive and 31% more efficient

Nevertheless, sometimes an extra day off could make some people struggle to return to the fast-paced environment when they’re back to work, so don’t hesitate to use the following strategies to help them settle back into your company’s regular workflow:

Start with energy

Lead by the example and forget all those jokes about how difficult is to return to work after some days off. You’re probably trying to be empathetic with your team but what they will understand is that you didn’t want to go back to work either. What you say is what you do, what you do is what you become, and what you become is what your team will replicate. Do not let the environment absorb you, create an energic and dynamic work environment instead, of starting by yourself.

What you say is what you do, what you do is what you become, and what you become is what your team will replicate

Be human

It is normal that after passing a long weekend with their families and their loved ones, the members of your team will be longing for spending more time with them. Be respectful of their feelings and listen to their stories with interest during their lunchtime… and take that chance to inspire them! It is important that you motivate your team by aligning your organization’s objectives with their personal goals.

Organize, communicate, and review the goals of the day

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. The best way you can help your team is by correctly organizing their workflow to be well-balanced. They should not be overwhelmed by too many activities, but they should not have blank spots in their agendas either, because that could stop their momentum. Don’t forget to communicate these activities at the beginning of the shift and be clear on the results you’re expecting at the end of the day. Finally, check how well is your team performing during the day, so you can detect any perturbation that could affect the overall results and therefore take immediate action.

Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things

Finally, it is always a good idea to remind your team of the purpose of the holiday. Labor Day gives you a perfect opportunity to express to them the value of their daily work and make them feel that their efforts are appreciated for what they are: a contribution to society, through your company.

At Primary Staffing, we take care of both our employees and our clients. If you would like to know more about how we can help you to boost your productivity, don't hesitate to visit our website or call our labor consultants the phone number 773-376-0486, ext. 712/714