By Ben Edwards, Chief Learning Officer, Ignite Training and i-act Certified Mental Health and Well-being Trainer
Coming back to work after a holiday can feel like trudging uphill with lead in your boots. Energy dips, inboxes overflow, and focus drifts, a pattern many know as the post holiday slump. For leaders, this isn’t just a tricky patch to get through, it’s a chance to set the tone for the months ahead. By re engaging your team with clarity and energy, you can turn that sluggish start into renewed momentum and sustainable performance.
Why the Post Holiday Slump Matters for Leaders
The post holiday slump isn’t just a short break in motivation, it can reduce productivity, lower morale, and, if left unaddressed, even lead to people leaving the organisation. Gallup estimates that not engaged and actively disengaged employees cost the global economy about US $8.8 trillion in lost productivity, around 9 per cent of global GDP. That is a risk no leader should ignore. The positive news is that with the right approach, this dip can become a chance to reset. Good leadership can turn the post holiday slowdown into renewed energy, clearer focus, and stronger results.
Recognising the Signs of a Post Holiday Slump
Before tackling the slump, it’s important to spot it early. Common signs include:
- Lower productivity or output
- Less energy or enthusiasm in meetings
- Difficulty staying focused on tasks
- More frequent absenteeism or arriving late
Awareness is the first step. Once leaders notice these signs, they can act quickly and respond in a supportive way.
Strategies to Re-Engage Teams After a Holiday
How can leaders reconnect employees with purpose and goals?
After time away, employees may feel less connected to organisational goals. Leaders can re-anchor the team by sharing the bigger picture and clarifying current priorities. Showing how individual work links to overall success helps people feel aligned and valued.
How can open dialogue help with post holiday stress?
Returning after a break, some employees may feel overwhelmed by tasks waiting for them. Give space for open conversations about challenges, priorities, and capacity. Leaders who listen and show empathy build trust and reduce pressure.
Why is employee wellbeing important after holidays?
A well rested and balanced workforce performs better. Leaders can promote wellbeing by encouraging healthy routines, realistic workloads, and regular breaks. Gallup reports that employees who feel cared for are over three times more likely to be engaged.
What are quick wins and how do they build momentum?
Set short term goals that can be achieved quickly. These quick wins give employees a sense of progress and accomplishment, building momentum and motivation.
How can development opportunities re-energise a team?
Training, coaching, and mentoring can refresh motivation. Leaders can use the post holiday period to introduce new initiatives or learning opportunities, showing commitment to growth and a fresh start.
Creating a Culture That Minimises Future Slumps
While immediate action is vital, long term solutions lie in building a culture that sustains energy year round. Here are ways leaders can future proof their teams:
- Embed regular recognition and feedback systems
- Maintain clear, transparent communication
- Offer flexibility in how, when, and where work gets done
- Foster team connections through collaboration and social initiatives
The Role of Leaders in Sustaining Performance
The post holiday slump is inevitable, but its impact isn’t. Leaders play a pivotal role in shaping how their teams respond. By showing empathy, setting clear direction, and providing opportunities for growth, leaders can turn a period of inertia into a launchpad for success.
In the end, the most effective leaders don’t just manage the slump, they use it to re energise their teams and set the stage for lasting performance.
Ignite Training helps organisations equip leaders with the mindset and skills to overcome challenges like the post-holiday slump. Through our i-act mental health and wellbeing programme, we empower organisations to build cultures of resilience, engagement, and high performance.
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