How to Prepare Your Team for the New Year

As the year winds down and everyone starts eyeing off the festive break, it’s easy for workplaces (and people) to slip into “just get through the next two weeks” mode. But a little bit of planning now can make a huge difference to how smooth things start in January for you, your team, and your customers.

Here are a few simple, low-stress ways to set things up so everyone can actually enjoy their holidays and come back feeling organised rather than overwhelmed.

1. Encourage tidy handovers

No one wants to walk into the office in January and spend two days trying to piece together where things were left. A quick handover note, a tidy inbox, and a clear status update on key tasks can save hours of frustration later. It doesn’t need to be a novel - just clear, simple info that future-you (or future-team, or future-them) will be grateful for.

2. Set gentle, realistic priorities for early January

January can feel like a slow start, and that’s okay. Before everyone clocks off before Christmas this year, agree on a small list of “Week One Priorities” so people know exactly what to focus on when they return. This is especially important if you have people staggering their return in January like we do here at HRSS. Keeping it manageable helps the team ease back into their rhythm without the pressure of a massive to-do list waiting on day one and makes sure that important matters such as clients or production demands needs are prioritised.

3. Make sure people take a real break

A refreshed team is a productive team. Encourage your people to switch off properly over the break - no sneaky email checks, no half-working days unless absolutely critical. The more rested everyone is, the more energy and clarity they’ll bring into the new year.

4. Communicate office details early

If you’re closing down for a period, working on skeleton staff, or changing availability, let clients and suppliers know now. It reduces last-minute stress and keeps expectations clear on both sides.

5. Celebrate the year you’ve just had

A simple moment of acknowledgment - whether it’s a team thank-you email, a quick get-together, or a shout-out of wins. It helps people finish the year feeling appreciated, not just exhausted.

None of this needs to be complicated. With a few small steps and some clear communication, you can give your team the gift of a calm Christmas break and a fresh, focused start to 2026.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need help navigating the best way to prepare your team and help them wind down for the festive season. We’re always here to help.