Employee Motivation After Summer Break

How do you get your teams motivated after the summer break?

It’s September and time to get back to business. Your workforce is back from annual leave and, in some cases, juggling parental duties and you want to ensure they are focused and motivated to perform at their best for the busy months ahead.

The September Shift

The end of summer often brings a noticeable change in mood. The excitement and relaxation of summer fades, and the first signs of autumn can make it feel like the fun is over.

This transition can lead to a drop in motivation, with employees feeling fatigued and less resilient. Many experience a kind of post-summer burnout, making it harder to stay focused and productive.

The combination of shorter days and a busier schedule can also make it difficult for staff to maintain their usual energy levels.

Strategies to Boost Motivation

How can you boost motivation amongst your team to combat the September shift?

Strategies that not only refocus your team but also support their health and wellbeing are essential for the performance of your team and your business. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Prioritise Health and Wellbeing

Implementing self-care initiatives in the workplace will raise awareness and help motivate your employees to look after their physical and mental health. By building a culture of care you will help increase resilience and achieve a healthier performance across the business.

We provide a range of services that help employees identify, understand and manage physical and mental health so they are better equipped to manage their health and wellbeing, inside and outside the workplace. For more information on how we can support you book a complimentary consultation call.

We provide a range of services that help employees identify, understand and manage physical and mental health so they are better equipped to manage their health and wellbeing, inside and outside the workplace. For more information on how we can support you book a complimentary consultation call.

The return to school triggers an increase in seasonal viruses like cold and flu so a focus on cleanliness; providing more hand sanitisers and tissues, and raising awareness can help prevent the spread.

2. Create a Positive Work Environment

A supportive workplace can make all the difference; open communication, recognition of achievements and promoting inclusivity all support a culture of care and belonging. When your employees feel valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

3. Set Clear Goals for the New Season

After the relaxed pace of summer, it’s an opportunity to reset. Providing clear, attainable goals for the autumn months and scheduling regular check-ins and feedback can help keep everyone on track and aligned with you company objectives.

4. Support Work-Life Balance

As schedules step up in September, supporting your employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance is key. Flexibility is voted the number one priority for employees. Consider offering flexible working hours or remote work options to help them manage their responsibilities both at work and home.

A client of ours recently introduced the option of a 2 hour flexible lunch, to enable staff to take time out of their day to attend appointments or participate in activities. As the days become shorter, take time outside, in the natural light, is crucial for our mental wellbeing.

5. Boost Team Spirit

Organise team-building activities to unite your teams and bring them back together after the summer months. It can be as casual as a team lunch, or more structured team-building exercises, these activities can help employees reconnect and feel more engaged.

Conclusion

September is a time of transition, but it’s also an opportunity to refocus and energise your team. By prioritising health and wellbeing, creating a positive and caring work environment, and setting clear goals, you can help your staff overcome the September shift and get back to business with renewed motivation.

If you would like to know how our services can support you in building a culture of care, that values your employees, helping to keep them motivated, book a complimentary consultation call