📌 Key takeaways
- A key moment to reignite team momentum: returning from holidays can cause stress and disruption, but it also presents a strategic opportunity to re-engage staff.
- Prioritisation to regain control: simple rituals such as the “Priority Mission” help to structure the return to work and avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed by emails and accumulated tasks.
- Social connection as a driver of engagement: fun, collaborative activities (memory Post-its, icebreakers, wish maps) strengthen team cohesion and intrinsic motivation.
- High-impact micro-initiatives: easy to implement in person or remotely, these activities promote well-being and collective energy, and lay the groundwork for skills development.
You know that moment when your body is at your desk… but your mind is still floating on a paddleboard in the middle of a lake? Returning to the office after the holidays is often a rude awakening: an overflowing inbox, an out-of-control to-do list, your brain in standby mode.
👉 However, a few simple steps can transform this dreaded moment into a real opportunity for a collective fresh start.
Here are 5 fun and effective ideas that are easy to implement in your teams for a stress-free return to work!
“Mission Priorities”: 30 minutes to regain control
Start the day with a clear routine:
🗂️ Sort your tasks (archives vs. to be followed up)
🎯 Identify a realistic priority for the day
✍️ Pick up where you left off on a project
Why does it work?
Because it avoids the ‘email tsunami’ effect and immediately restores a sense of control. A small victory is enough to get things moving again.
"Post-it Feel Good"
Everyone writes down a happy memory from their holidays on a sticky note (or in a collaborative tool). You pick them at random, try to guess who wrote them, and then share them.
Why does it work?
Because positivity is contagious. In 10 minutes, you can rebuild bonds, lift spirits and create a caring team dynamic.
Back-to-school wish list
Ask each employee to submit:
🔹 A habit they want to leave behind
🔹 A new practice to try out
🔹 A skill to develop or improve
Why does it work?
Because giving voice to desires activates intrinsic motivation. And that paves the way for highly targeted development plans.
“Ice Breaker Express: How was your summer in emojis?”
Quick round table discussion (5 mins) with fun questions:
Your summer in one emoji?
A song that sums up your mood?
A lesson learned?
Why does it work?
Because emotion, humour and self-deprecation gently revive team dynamics. Perfect for slightly tense back-to-work meetings.
“The feel-good resource box”
Prepare a mini kit to distribute to your employees:
🎧 A focus or feel-good playlist
🧘 A mini guided breathing session (3 mins)
📚 An inspiring article or podcast for the new season
Why does it work?
Because employees who feel that their well-being has been taken into account return to work with more energy, clarity and motivation.
Recycle these ideas in a hybrid or remote version
All these tips can be adapted for remote working: virtual post-it notes, video call ice breakers, wish lists via Miro or Klaxoon. All without any budget or complex tools.
You don’t need a seminar in the mountains to make a successful start to the new school year: small gestures are enough to create a real dynamic.
💡 Training also means inspiring… through small, human and fun initiatives.
And to go even further ⭐️
Groupe DMM supports you in developing your training plan!
Develop your employees’ key skills with our tailor-made soft skills training courses.
