JAN NIBJ: Building culture after holiday disengagement

January is a month full of fresh starts — but inside many organizations, it’s also a month marked by sluggishness. After weeks of holiday distractions, travel, disrupted routines, and end-of-year burnout, teams often return feeling unfocused or emotionally checked out. Leaders sense the dip immediately: slower collaboration, quieter meetings, and an overall “warming-up” period before momentum returns.

But January doesn’t have to be a productivity slump. With the right approach, it can be one of the most energizing months of the year — an opportunity to rebuild connection, reset expectations, and strengthen culture in ways that last long past Q1. Here’s how leaders can re-engage teams with intention and authenticity.

1. Start With a Human Re-Set, Not a Performance One

Before diving into dashboards and Q1 targets, start by reconnecting on a human level. Ask people how their break went, what they’re excited about, or what support they need. Small gestures — like a quick one-on-one check-in — signal that people matter more than metrics and help re-establish psychological safety.

Teams are more willing to lean back into goals when they feel seen, not rushed.

2. Reconnect the Team to Purpose

Holiday disengagement often comes from a disconnect between the work and the “why” behind it. Early January is the perfect time to revisit the mission and show how each team’s efforts directly contribute to results.

This doesn’t have to be a full strategy session. Even a short story about a customer win, a community impact, or progress from the previous year can reignite pride and motivation.

Purpose builds culture, and culture builds momentum.

3. Celebrate Wins — Even the Small Ones

Year-end tends to spotlight unfinished tasks or goals that slipped. That can leave teams feeling deflated. Counteract that by acknowledging individual and group successes from the previous year: projects completed, innovations tested, or challenges overcome.

Celebrating these achievements reminds people that their work matters and gives them confidence heading into the new year.

4. Create Space for Re-Entry

January shouldn’t feel like jumping into cold water. Instead, build a “ramp-up week” where the focus is on alignment rather than intensity. Consider:

· A team planning session.

· A light brainstorming meeting.

· An open Q&A on goals or priorities.

· A “no meeting morning” to help people get organized.

When employees have time to reset their workflow, they show up more engaged and less overwhelmed.

5. Reinforce Connection Through Collaboration

Post-holiday disengagement often coincides with everyone retreating into their own inboxes. Kick off the year with activities that encourage interaction — cross-team projects, collaborative workshops, or even a social breakfast or coffee hour.

The goal isn’t forced fun but meaningful reconnection. People are naturally more engaged when they feel part of something bigger than their own to-do list.

6. Model the Energy You Want to See

Finally, leaders set the tone. Return with clarity, warmth, and realistic optimism. If leaders show curiosity, encourage questions, and acknowledge the transition period, teams feel more comfortable re-engaging.

Culture strengthens from the top down and the inside out.

January disengagement is normal — but with thoughtful actions and a people-first mindset, it can become a powerful springboard. When teams feel reconnected, re-energized, and purpose-driven, they don’t just catch up, they propel the year forward with renewed momentum.

Joan D. Urbaniak is the Executive Director at The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce. She can be reached at [email protected].