Ask the Expert

Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers!  

Welcome to our summer “Ask the Expert” series: The Great Summer Shuffle: HR Survival Tips from June to August. 

This is the last question in our 3-part seasonal HR challenge questions. These are the things that tend to heat up along with the weather. We’ll share real-world questions and practical tips to help your business stay cool, collected, and running smoothly all summer long.  

This month’s question is “How can we deal with the post-summer slump and refocus our team for fall?”  

September ... the unofficial Monday of the calendar year. After a summer full of PTO, summer hours, and relaxed dress codes, your team might struggle to get back to routine. 

With a little planning (and maybe a touch of creativity), you can help your team refocus and reenergize. 

1. Start with a "Welcome Back" Reset 

Expecting everyone to fall back into routine doesn’t always happen. To help them ease in, consider a team reset meeting to: 

• Recap summer wins 

• Revisit Q3 and Q4 goals 

• Reestablish communication rhythms 

Make it feel like a fresh start. Bonus points for coffee, donuts, or breakfast burritos (Because who says re-entry has to be painful?) 

2. Create a "Fall Launch" Vibe 

September can have plenty of launch energy. Consider introducing a fun theme like: 

• “Back-to-Business Bootcamp” (with some challenges and team rewards) 

• “September Sprint” with short-term goals and incentives 

• A “Fresh Start” bulletin highlighting fall projects and stretch opportunities 

Giving this time of year a mini “campaign” can make it feel exciting instead of exhausting. 

3. Reboot Your Routines 

Time to dust off the calendar invites and reestablish your rhythm: 

• Restart 1:1s and team standups 

• Reinforce core work hours and communication channels 

• Clean up project boards and inboxes 

Your team might actually welcome a bit of structure after a summer of unpredictability. 

4. Celebrate the Unsung Heroes 

Some folks never really slowed down this summer. Give them a shoutout. A little appreciation now can go a long way in rebuilding team morale and avoiding burnout later. 

5. Ask, Don’t Assume 

Send out a quick pulse check or anonymous survey. Ask your team what helped them stay motivated this summer, what didn’t, and how they’re feeling heading into fall. You’ll get great insight, and your people will feel heard. 

Coming back from summer doesn’t have to be a slog through the final months of the year. With the right tone, a clear plan, and a little creativity, September can feel less like a 4 am wake-up call and more like a comeback tour. 

So go ahead and turn up the energy, bring back the structure, and lead your team into fall like a rockstar manager (make it fun and play a little “Eye of the Tiger” in your team meeting). 

How are you handling reenergizing your team after the summer? Let’s swap notes in the comments!  Check out more tips and insights on our blog, website, LinkedIn, or just reach out.