Back to School, Back to Business: Navigating the Post-Summer Transition
If you are in Canada, our national Fairs: the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) in Toronto, and for our friends in the West the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition), tend to signal the big bang for the end of summer. As August winds down for exhausted tour operators and seasonal businesses, there is no doubt a sense of fatigue. For businesses managing and juggling employee vacations and time off for family responsibilities, September begins to feel like a time to reset and get back to corporate momentum. Regardless of what camp you are in, the desire may be to take some unplugged downtime to recover, but often it's time for business leaders to reassemble our teams and hit the ground running.
Just like the excitement of the back-to-school season, this time of year holds immense potential for a fresh start and renewed energy in the workplace. As we transition from the summer vibe back into the routine of business, here are some insights I've gathered from my own experiences that might help you and your team make a smooth reentry into the world of productivity.
Easing in with Flexibility and Communicating Openly
Coming back from vacations can sometimes feel like a jolt to the system. Consider easing your team back into the routine with a flexible schedule for the first few days or first 2 weeks after Labour Day. This flexibility acknowledges the need to catch up on emails, projects, and missed opportunities, while also allowing your team to adjust and settle back in. The transition period after vacations can bring about a mix of emotions and challenges. Be sure to keep lines of communication open. Schedule one-on-one check-ins with team members to discuss their experiences, any obstacles they foresee, and their aspirations for the remainder of the year.
Celebrating Shared Experiences
Summer vacations are often filled with unique experiences that can bond team members together. Encourage your team to share their vacation stories during a team meeting or through a dedicated channel. This not only creates a positive atmosphere but also reinforces the sense of camaraderie among colleagues. Bonus: sometimes your team will bring forward their own epiphanies over time off, generating innovative ideas in the workplace!
Revisiting and Refining Goals
Summer is an excellent time for introspection and self-discovery. As leaders, we should take the opportunity to do this and encourage our team members to reflect on their personal and professional goals. Use this time to revisit individual development plans, align them with the company's objectives, and chart a course for achievement.
Setting Clear Objectives
Just as we set our goals for the summer season, let's set clear objectives for the upcoming months. Gather your team and discuss the projects, milestones, and targets that lie ahead. This will not only provide a road map for the team but also ignite a sense of purpose and direction as everyone returns to their desks.
Embracing Change
Change is an inevitable part of any transition, and the importance of involving the team in change discussions and decisions is vital. This promotes a sense of ownership and involvement. Use this time to take team feedback, agree upon goals and implement any necessary adjustments to processes, strategies, or even the physical workspace. Embracing change can make the transition smoother and set the stage for a dynamic and successful post-summer period.
Reviving the Learning Spirit
New ideas may require new skill sets. Just like students return to school to learn new things, let's foster a learning culture in the workplace. Consider organizing workshops or training sessions that align with your team's goals. This not only helps in refreshing skills but also injects a sense of excitement and personal growth into the post-vacation phase.
Productivity & Play
Summer often embodies a spirit of fun and adventure. While we return to our desks or job sites, let's not lose that essence entirely. What if we could focus on productivity from a sense of play? Incorporate team-building activities or theme days to infuse a bit of that summer energy into the workplace. Remember, a happy team is a productive team.
Final Thoughts
As we gather our teams and ourselves to step back into the rhythm of business, remember that just like the back-to-school season, this is a time for new beginnings and fresh perspectives. By incorporating flexibility, open communication, shared experiences, clear objectives and learning, we can channel the energy and enthusiasm instead of fatigue and reluctance into our professional lives, propelling our teams towards a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Here's to a vibrant and productive season of growth and achievement. Have a very happy Labour Day Weekend.