Getting Your Employees’ Morale Up After A Long Weekend

Listen, we’ve all been there—that dreaded feeling of the first day back to work after an amazing holiday. If you were once an employee before you became a businessman, you know this feeling very well, too.

After long weekends, employees often return in low spirits—mentally still on vacation, energy levels a little sluggish, and motivation not quite back to 100 percent. While this is natural, it’s something business owners can prepare for.

Getting morale back on track early in the week will benefit your team and directly support productivity and performance.

Prepare a Welcoming Atmosphere

One way to ease everyone back into the grind is by creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere on the first day back. Play light music in the workspace, offer free coffee or a light breakfast, or even plan a short huddle to reconnect the team. These small gestures can shift the mood and help people transition back with less friction.

Plan a Midweek Activity

You can also plan something engaging to look forward to. A fun team activity midweek, a “chill Wednesday,” where everyone can have just a bit more time on their afternoon break, or even announcing a light incentive can inject energy into the room. The idea is to break the monotony and give everyone a reason to pick up the pace again.

It also helps to communicate openly and acknowledge that post-holiday blues are normal. When employees feel understood and not pressured, they’re more likely to bounce back naturally. Expressing appreciation and showing that you trust them to get back on track goes a long way.

Reentry after a long break doesn’t have to feel like a drag. With a bit of planning and intentional leadership, you can make that transition something your employees won’t dread—and might even enjoy. (GFB)