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As the holidays wind down, many teams face the challenge of returning to work feeling a little lost and the post-Christmas slump sets in. As an employer, this can be a pivotal period to refocus your team and set plans for a successful year ahead.
With a solid plan to boost employee motivation after Christmas, you can start 2026 strong. Follow our article for some actionable tips.
Before diving into work, take a moment to acknowledge the holiday break and celebrate past accomplishments. A simple team huddle to reflect on the previous year’s successes, even small wins, can set a positive tone. Recognition reminds your team that their efforts matter and that they’re part of a larger mission.
Tip: Share personalised shoutouts or a fun recap of achievements. Make it lighthearted and inspiring.
Post-holiday motivation often falters when the workload feels overwhelming. Break down projects into clear, achievable goals to give your team direction. When employees know exactly what’s expected and can see tangible milestones, their focus and engagement naturally increase.
Tip: Use visual tools like Kanban boards or goal-tracking dashboards such as OKRs to make progress visible and rewarding.
Whilst this should be a consideration all year round, you should think about initiatives that support staff mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. Whilst Christmas can be fun, the lead up to the festive period can be highly stressful for employees. Remind people to access their Employee Assistance Programme or Able Futures for free support.
Read our article for further tips on supporting employee mental health during Christmas
Communication is a two-way street, and an open-door policy is the first step in making employees feel comfortable and heard. Schedule regular one-on-ones and actively seek your team’s input on projects, policies, and decisions to foster a sense of inclusion and collaboration.
The first few meetings of the year can feel like a drag if they’re heavy on updates and tasks. Inject energy by starting meetings with something engaging - like a fun icebreaker, a team quiz, or sharing a short inspiring story. A lively start encourages participation and sets a positive mood for collaboration.
Post-Christmas is a great time to reconnect with your team’s purpose. Remind everyone why their work matters and how it contributes to the company’s larger mission. When employees see meaning in their day-to-day tasks, motivation and commitment naturally grow, resulting in marginal gains towards your end goal.
Tip: Share customer stories, company milestones, or a vision statement that highlights impact.
Nothing reignites enthusiasm like new challenges. Encourage professional development, skill-building, or innovation projects. These opportunities provide mental stimulation, give employees something to look forward to, and show that you’re invested in their growth.
Tip: Set up small “innovation sprints” or learning workshops to kick off the year.
After Christmas, workplace culture plays a big role in motivation. Promote collaboration, camaraderie, and support. Small gestures like team lunches, coffee breaks, or even casual chats can rebuild energy and connection after the festive pause. You don’t need sweeping big gestures, if you do this consistently, you’ll naturally create a positive momentum.
Finally, motivation starts at the top. Demonstrate enthusiasm, optimism, and focus. Your energy is contagious. When leaders show commitment and excitement for the new year, teams are more likely to mirror that attitude.
The post-Christmas period doesn’t have to be a slump. With the right approach, your team can move from holiday mode to high performance ready to conquer the year ahead.
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