Business in Vancouver

Rhodes College has been invited to comment on returning to work after the holidays. Our President, Bea Rhodes provides some useful advice!

“Sometimes employees spend the holiday break, well, not getting a break. They may need a day or two to settle in. If they continue to under-perform, I would certainly address it right away. There are ways to address unproductive behaviour that leave the employee motivated and feeling good. A happy employee is generally a productive employee. The best way to bring up anything is to approach the person in a light and informal way. Using humour is good.

You: How were your holidays?

Employee: Good, but I was so busy.

You: It’s hard to please everyone and you can end up just feeling exhausted and almost like you didn’t even get a break.

Employee: Yes, I just feel really tired.

You: I wonder what we can do to help you adjust and get back in the groove. It’s tough when you are tired.

Employee: I think maybe I need to get outside more or something.

You: Why don’t we make sure you get out for a walk every day.

Employee: Wow – that sounds great.

Most often, a conversation like this, in which you are clearly concerned about the employee’s welfare, will solve the problem. If it does not, there may be a larger and more systemic problem.

Every organization, even a small one, should invest in workplace wellness. This can be virtually free. Some ideas include providing wellness information to employees, having a potluck-style healthy lunch once per month or giving an interested employee an hour or so a week to come up with inexpensive ways to increase health and wellness. These small endeavours can create big results for your organization.”

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