Returning to the office after the summer holidays is not easy. During the time off, we forget about work obligations, we sleep more, we can dedicate more hours to our favorite hobbies and we enjoy life without stress.
So, even though it may be easier for some people than for others, returning to work is still a transitional situation and, from the HR department, we can help our team to make this transition smoother.
Do you want to know how you can support your employees as they return to their daily routine?
So take a look at these tips and avoid post-vacation syndrome!
Celebrate the welcome
Nothing like a small event to break the ice. Something as simple as a shared breakfast or an afternoon pizza party is a great opportunity for everyone to catch up on their summer adventures and feel part of the team again.
Facilitate the reorganization of tasks
When you get back to work, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of emails and tasks at hand. That’s why it’s a good idea to help your employees get organized by setting clear priorities and offering support with the most urgent tasks.
For example, it may be helpful to provide them with a recommended to-do list or a quick meeting to clarify priorities for the week.
Plan a gradual reincorporation
There’s nothing worse than coming back and feeling like you’ve been thrown straight into the lion’s den. So, if possible, allow employees to return gradually.
This could mean working half days for the first week or having the option to work from home for a couple of days until they get back into a normal work rhythm.
A smooth transition can do wonders for morale and productivity and reduce stress and burnout in the early days. The key is to be flexible and understanding of their individual needs.
Organize one-to-one meetings to discuss new goals
Taking the time to meet individually with each employee makes a big difference. These personalized meetings allow you to discuss goals and set expectations for the upcoming period.
In addition, these talks are perfect for reconnecting and strengthening the boss-employee relationship.
Ask them about their vacation!
Returning to the office after a long break can be a destabilizing experience for some people who still feel the excitement of their summer adventures.
Take advantage of this moment to ask them where they went, what they did, and what were their favorite moments. These types of conversations lighten the mood and also strengthen interpersonal relationships within the team.
Plus, talking about their vacation helps them feel more relaxed and positive about their return. And of course, it’s a simple but effective way to show that you value your employees as people, not just as workers.
So… ready to get back to the routine?
