5 Must Dos to Help Your Team Feel Refreshed in the New Year

How excited is your team to return to work in the New Year?

Not sure?

Whether your team is coming off a holiday high or dragging themselves back into the office this January, it’s the perfect time to hit the refresh button to start this year strong.

Not sure what you can do? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!

Here’s a fun, easy-to-follow checklist to help your team shake off the holiday fog and enter the new year feeling motivated, connected, and ready to conquer.

1. Kick Things Off with a Goal-Setting Session

Nothing says “new year, new me” like setting goals, right?

Have each department meet for 1- 2 hours and cater in lunch.
Each department or team should be given that hour to reflect on last year’s highs, lows, and hair-pulling moments while providing a space for reflection in an interactive goal-setting activity.
Whether you are in-person or remote, encourage everyone to create one professional goal and one personal goal for Q1 and ask them to submit that to their manager within 1 week to review together.

2. Clean Desk, Clean Slate

Fact: Messy desks equal messy minds. A clean desk area helps everyone feel good, more organized and more productive.

Host a “Desk Detox Day” where everyone takes 15-20 minutes to declutter their workspace.
Add some flair by turning it into a mini-contest—because who isn’t motivated by competition? The “most improved desk” wins a coffee gift card!
Share organization tips: Share ideas and tips for organization with your coworkers when it comes to their desk, calendar and time management!
If you’re managing a remote team, host a meeting dedicated to tidying up their home offices and sharing before-and-after pics. Trust me, this small reset will work wonders.

3. Add a Little Wellness to the Mix

We all know January is when ambition triggers a wellness reality check. Whether you are gifting your team a gym membership or wellness incentive, lean into it with a team wellness challenge!

Host a step-count competition, weekly group fitness breaks, or a hydration challenge.
Keep it simple, fun, and inclusive.
Sweeten the pot with rewards: Give away company swag or an extra long lunch break for the winners.

4. Celebrate Last Year’s Wins

Before diving headfirst into 2025 goals, take a second to look back. Did the team nail a big project? Was there a killer new hire who deserves a shoutout? Celebrate it all! A little recognition can go a long way.

Share a quick slideshow highlighting 2024 wins in your next team meeting.
Gift handwritten thank-you notes.
A simple email filled with claps and kudos; January is the time to build momentum and motivation for the year ahead.

5. Sprinkle in Some Learning Opportunities

January is the prime time for growth mindsets and setting resolutions. Has there been an activity or idea your team has talked about exploring?

Offer up some fun, professional development options––like an online course, team book club, or skill-sharing workshop.
Pro tip: Let employees suggest topics they’re excited about. This shows you value their input and helps them stay engaged.