Getting back in the groove: 3 tips for your team’s first weeks back

When I was at SCIRT, we kicked off every year with a restart session, and it was such a great way to bring everyone back together. While I was only there for one, it had become a firm January tradition. The senior leadership team led these sessions, but there was always space for staff to contribute. They were short - about an hour - but compulsory because they were all about building camaraderie, boosting morale, and getting everyone on the same page for the months ahead.

The sessions were always a mix of serious and fun. While there was a strong focus on health and safety (brains can be a bit slow in January in those first weeks back at work), they were interactive and had a guest speaker to set the mood and inspire the team. And we’d serve food - for obvious reasons (put on a barbeque and they will come, is the mantra).

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend adding something like this to your January schedule. Even a brief check-in can make a huge difference in helping your team feel seen, heard, and excited about the year to come.

The festive season can bring all sorts of experiences - good, bad, challenging, and everything in between. If you're a people leader, I’d suggested scheduling a check in with each team member. Keep it informal - grab a coffee, take a walk, or have a casual chat. The same goes if you're a team member. Reconnecting with your team 1:1 can also help you feel grounded as you head back to work.

Ask open-ended questions like:

• "How was your break?"
• "What’s been on your mind as we head into the new year?"
• "Is there anything you’re excited about or need support with?"

These check-ins are an opportunity to build those 1:1 connections and understanding where each person is at, plus spot any concerns early, like lingering stress, challenges at home, or even feelings of burnout that might carry over from last year.

For team members who didn’t get much of a break - whether due to work, personal commitments, or other reasons - it’s especially important to acknowledge their experiences. Acknowledging their hard work during the holidays can go a long way toward making them feel valued and appreciated.

While it might be tempting to hit the ground running, a step-by-step approach often works better. The first week back at work is a time when everyone is finding their rhythm again. Jumping straight into back-to-back Zoom calls or detailed planning sessions can leave people feeling frazzled before the year has even properly started.

Instead, keep meetings short, focused, and relaxed. Save the big agendas and heavy decision-making for when everyone’s had a chance to shake off the holiday brain fog and settle in. It’s about easing into the groove, not sprinting out of the gates.

Flexibility is key too - whether it’s letting people adjust their hours, take the time they need to tackle overflowing inboxes without pressure, or pace themselves as they transition back. Leading with empathy and understanding during these early days sets a positive tone for the months ahead.

And let’s not forget those juggling kids still on school holidays or navigating other demands. A flexible approach helps people manage their responsibilities without feeling stretched too thin. If this year will be anything like the last, the pressure will come so if there’s space for breathing room now – take it.

While those first couple of weeks back at work can feel like a challenge, it won’t be long before you’re all back in the swing of things. And depending on the tea leaves you're reading, there are signs this year will economically be better than the last. There will be plenty of time for productivity, so my advice is to make the most of the time you have now to restart, reconnect, and find your rhythm.