Back to Business: Supporting Teams After the Summer Holidays

Now that September has arrived, kids have headed back to school, and many workplaces are feeling that same ‘back-to-school’ reset as well. After the lull of the summer holidays, when annual leave is high, routines are disrupted, and projects may have slowed down, teams are expected to pick up pace again. This is the time where many businesses make a big push over the last two quarters to meet their goals so for managers and leaders, this transition can feel like a balancing act: reigniting momentum without overwhelming staff who are readjusting. 

Here are some practical ways to help ease the shift back to business:

1. Re-establish rhythm and routine

The summer often brings fragmented working patterns. As teams return, reintroduce structure by setting clear goals for the coming weeks and holding regular check-ins. A short team huddle or reset meeting can create clarity and focus, helping everyone feel aligned.

2. Recognise the human factor

Not everyone comes back from annual leave feeling recharged. Some may still be managing childcare transitions, financial pressures, or post-holiday fatigue. Managers who acknowledge these realities, while still encouraging engagement, help foster psychological safety and trust.

3. Prioritise, don’t overload

September can be a tempting time to push through a backlog of projects, but leaders should help teams prioritise what matters most. Use tools like RAG (red-amber-green) prioritisation or focus on “quick wins” to build momentum without overwhelming staff.

4. Encourage reflection and learning

Ask the team: What worked well before summer? What could we improve for the rest of the year? This not only supports continuous improvement but also reinforces a sense of shared ownership.

5. Reconnect socially

The post-holiday period is a good time to re-strengthen workplace culture. A team lunch, informal catch-up, or wellbeing initiative for the wider business can rebuild connections and lift morale after weeks of scattered working patterns.

Use this time as an opportunity to bring in wellbeing initiatives to also boost morale, energy and pace. This can be anything from office massages, right through to informative lunch and learn sessions.


The transition out of summer is an opportunity to reset, refocus, and reconnect. With thoughtful leadership, managers can turn this seasonal shift into a chance to boost team cohesion, re-establish momentum, and set the stage for a strong finish for the remainder of the year.