Help Your Team Unwind: Holiday Season Planning for Team Leaders
Before the team heads off for summer vacation, the team leader plays a crucial role in ensuring everyone can fully unwind and that work runs smoothly during the break. A well-planned holiday period helps the whole organisation enjoy a more restful time, and makes for an easier transition back to work.
One effective way to prepare is by running a team survey before the holidays. This approach allows you to gather tasks, expectations, and concerns in one place. Here are five questions you might include in such a survey:
1. Which tasks would you like to complete before the holiday?
This question helps the team focus on key priorities and manage their workload effectively. By clarifying what needs to be wrapped up, team members can plan their time and ensure important issues are addressed.
Collaborate with your team to determine which tasks need immediate attention, which are ongoing, and where additional support might be needed. This process not only brings clarity but also helps you plan for the post-holiday to-do list.
2. Do you have any concerns or unanswered questions that need to be resolved before the holiday?
Unresolved issues can weigh on people’s minds, even during their time off. A pre-holiday survey creates a space for team members to raise any concerns that might otherwise go unspoken.
This also gives the team leader a chance to address issues promptly and provide the right support. Consider offering the option for anonymous feedback to ensure everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
3. Who will cover your responsibilities during your absence—and do they know what’s expected of them?
Clear delegation is key to keeping things running smoothly during absences. Ensure that each team member identifies who will handle their tasks and whether that person has all the information needed to do the job well.
Use the survey to list tasks, responsibilities, and any work-in-progress items in one place. This makes it easier for everyone to understand what’s expected, while avoiding confusion or lost details in emails or chat threads.
Good communication and clear expectations help the entire team feel more secure, and allow everyone to enjoy their holidays with peace of mind.
4. What would help you return from holiday feeling rested?
It’s worth planning for a smooth return to work, too. The workload after a break can feel overwhelming, but small adjustments can make a big difference.
Ask your team what would make their return easier, perhaps a clear status update, flexible working arrangements, or a lighter schedule in the first week back. Collecting this feedback allows you to plan a more positive and productive return for everyone.
5. What else could the team do together before the holidays?
The weeks leading up to the holiday can be busy and stressful. A shared activity can boost morale and strengthen the sense of community within the team.
Ask for ideas in your survey, then pick one together, whether it’s a team lunch, a quick game session, or even a visit to a nearby ice cream stand. Simple activities like these can lift spirits and promote wellbeing.
A team survey offers a quick and effective way to gather insights on workloads, unresolved issues, and holiday plans. By addressing key points before the holidays, you can set your team up for a well-deserved break and a smooth return to work.
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