16 January 2016

Tips on how to motivate a team after Christmas

motivate after christmas

Christmas is a special time when we rethink our lives. That is why, motivate after Christmas team at work is a necessity in any company.

The Christmas holidays are a very special time. So is the return to work. This stress clashes directly with the disconnection that employees enjoyed a few days before, causing what is known as a post-holiday syndrome.

Among other symptoms, post-vacation syndrome causes our employees to suffer from lack of motivation and commitment we must manage.

Table of contents

6 tips for motivation after Christmas

1. Give them time and space

Please bear in mind that the first few days back are critical for their adaptation. You must be understanding and give them the necessary time and space to help them catch up with their schedules, their tasks and all the new things that have happened in their absence.

2. Don't overwork them.

As a complement to the previous point, you will need to manage the workload of your employees. Gradually increasing the workload is the best solution. Even if they want to get back to their work quickly, give them a couple of days before assigning them new projects.

3. Organise welcome meetings

A positive attitude in the company is essential for keeping spirits high, especially after the holidays. A great idea to motivate after Christmas is to organise welcome gatherings: breakfasts, for example.

This not only helps employees switch off from their tasks for a moment (giving them time and space). It also helps them reconnect with their colleagues, re-engaging them with social life within the company.

4. Propose new ambitious objectives

The return from the Christmas holidays is often a time when new goals are set. It's a good time to set new objectives. These should be ambitious and motivating. Take advantage of this opportunity.

5. Offer them small rewards

In a light-hearted way, reward your employees for achieving small successes. These achievements don't need to be of great importance, nor does the reward, but they will serve to lighten the atmosphere and add a pinch of motivation.

A free breakfast for finishing tasks ahead of schedule or enjoying half a day off for exceeding expectations are some examples that work very well for improving productivity after the Christmas holidays.

6. Value your return

Finally, a small acknowledgement for your employees“ return to the office is tremendously useful to help them recharge their batteries. A ”we're glad to have you back" has a very positive effect on staff morale. It's just 6 (sincere) words that we shouldn't forget to say.

Here are some tips for post-Christmas motivation that will help your employees readjust to their daily routine after the Christmas holidays and, thus, increase their motivation.

Edenred Spain