After the holidays – how to retain your employees

After an extended holiday, many employees take time to reflect on their work situation. In fact, more than half of full-time employees consider quitting their jobs after a long break, according to an American study. Employees who feel unmotivated, low-spirited, or eager for new adventures can be a challenge for employers – but it can also be seen as an opportunity! By acting strategically and attentively, HR can create a workplace environment that not only prevents turnover but also strengthens engagement and satisfaction.

After a longer summer or winter holiday, it’s not uncommon for employees to consider leaving their current jobs. A study conducted by Passport Photo Online in 2023, reveals that over half (57%) of 1,031 full-time American employees have considered quitting after an extended break. The study also highlights that feelings of lack of motivation (27%), low mood (21%), and a longing for travel (21%) are more common after time away from work. 

For HR professionals, this serves as an important reminder: the way employers support their staff in transitioning back after a break can be crucial for retaining talent and boosting workplace morale. 

Another study by Visier shows that 20 percent of respondents actually quit their jobs following holiday, while nearly half (44%) seriously considered it. Interestingly, 12 percent of respondents used their time off to actively search for a new job. However, such decisions are rarely impulsive, most employees who quit after a holiday take an average of three months to finalize their decisions (62%). 

While the statistics may seem concerning, they present employers with a proactive opportunity. This creates a valuable window of time to address dissatisfaction, reignite motivation, and build stronger relationships with employees before it’s too late. 

Measure motivation within your organization

Employee surveys are an invaluable tool for gaining insights and gauging the overall well-being of your organization. By conducting regular pulse surveys, employers can identify early signs of declining motivation and pinpoint factors that impact satisfaction. After the holidays, these surveys can provide particularly useful insights info areas such as:

• Work climate and leadership: How do employees perceive the support and guidance they receive from their managers?
• Work-life balance: Has the holiday created new expectations for flexibility or recovery time?
• Career ambitions: do employees feel they are growing in their roles, or do they need new challenges to stay motivated?

Employee surveys are more than just a tool for collecting data; they are a way to demonstrate that your organization truly listens. When employers take the time to understand their staff’s needs and act on the insights, it fosters a sense of inclusion and appreciation. It’s often these small yet meaningful actions that determine whether an employee chooses to stay and grow within the company or seek opportunities elsewhere. Asking the right questions at the right time can be the key to transforming a potential resignation risk into an opportunity to build loyalty and long-term engagement.