Taking the right approach to ease back into work
The January holidays are a not-so-distant memory and most of us are back at our work. But getting yourself back into the swing of things can be hard, especially when the weather’s still glorious and the beach is calling.
Easing back into work mode doesn’t have to be arduous if you take the right approach, however.
Managers are well advised to see the first week back at work as an in-between time, a period in which you can ease staff out of holiday mode and back into the pressures and challenges of work.
Viv Patterson is the principal consultant at EQ Consultants in Christchurch.
She says that it’s important that managers give teams times to catch-up and share stories after they have a break.
‘‘Those who are returning from summer shutdowns and longer breaks, many appreciate a few days to reflect, catch-up with colleagues and prepare for the year ahead.
‘‘Up to a week is a good amount of time to do this, but remember that some will prefer to get back into the swing of things much quicker.’’
She says that it’s important to strike the right balance between holiday talk and getting back into work mode.
‘‘Whether that’s engaging with clients, making a couple of phone calls, talking about the objectives for the year or catching up on outstanding pre-holiday tasks.’’
Patterson says that it is a good idea for managers to reconnect with their staff after their weeks away, maybe over a cup of coffee or a shared lunch.
But they also need to be aware that some people will prefer to get straight back into the swing of things and will already have moved into work mode.
‘‘Your employees will have different relational styles, some will want to chat, and catch-up meanwhile others will already be focused on the tasks at hand and checking off to-do tasks.’’
Maintaining summer optimism is possible if you take the right approach.
Patterson says it’s also important to be aware that some people have not had a good time over the holidays, and may not be feeling enlivened after weeks in the sun.
‘‘Talk to [each of your staff members] and find out where they are at, how their energy levels are, ask what their key ‘takeaways’ were from last year and what they want to achieve this year,’’ she says.
She points to companies that have a ‘‘workplace wellness’’ approach as being able to keep staff happy and positive.
‘‘Promote health and wellbeing initiatives in the workplace. Examples include Vodafone who has given staff Friday afternoons off until the end of February – a great way of allowing their team to enjoy the rest of the summer daylight hours.’’
Patterson says that other great ways to get people on board is to get them excited about the future.
Planning for the year ahead, establishing upskilling opportunities, and identify ways in which staff can grow their careers can get them back into the work mode.
But she also notes that not everyone has the opportunity to slowly move back into work: for some people, summer is the busiest time of the year.
‘‘For those in the manufacturing and agriculture space, now is their busiest time. Their quieter periods will be later in the year when they can take some well-earned rest and recuperation.’’
Viv Patterson’s tips for helping employees re-engage with work
● Provide opportunities to develop their skills, plan the year’s team activities and build on their strengths.
● Provide a degree of responsibility if your employee wants it, recognise and praise them for last year’s successes.
● Voice your confidence in their abilities and ensure you’re giving clear and concise communication about the business direction, what they’ve contributed, and what next.
‘‘Those who are returning from summer shutdowns and longer breaks, many appreciate a few days to reflect, catch-up with colleagues and prepare for the year ahead. Up to a week is a good amount of time to do this, but remember that some will prefer to get back into the swing of things much quicker.’’
Viv Patterson, Principal Consultant at EQ Consultants, Christchurch.