The holidays are over. You might think that putting the end-of-year frenzy behind them would mean your staff and team are revving up for the first quarter.
But instead, they have 'the blah's:' a mix of diminished enthusiasm and stress that seems to hit each year after the holidays. The good news is: 'the blah's' are cyclical. When business picks up, so will your staff's energy and productivity.
But why wait? Sure, all things change and this, too, will pass. But what if you could take charge of 'the blah's' with a few "Aha's!" ?
In other words, use this low cycle for teambuilding and motivational activities.
Set aside time to meet with your managers and brief them on the inevitable peaks and valleys of the coming year. Even experienced managers sometimes forget that post-holiday stress can de-motivate even the most optimistic staff members. This might be a good time of year to hold a party to celebrate last year's accomplishments. When business is slow, you can offer to reward your high performers with extra time off. Let them know this is your way of showing appreciation for their having gone the extra mile when the crunch was on. When business picks up, you will find they are willing to push themselves harder as a result of your recognition.
Encourage your team to take advantage of your company's incentive rewards program. Or create a contest in which the winners receive gift certificates to a local spa.
Another way to beat 'the blah's' is to help everyone enjoy them. Bring a couple of massage therapists into the office on those slow Friday afternoons.
Everyone will thank you! Just be sure you get your turn, as well.
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