How to Keep Your Team Motivated in January

It’s a tough mix: high expectations meet low energy. Instead of pushing through with targets and policies, January calls for a more supportive approach. Staff don’t need grand gestures or expensive team-building days. Connection, recognition, and a reminder that brighter days are ahead can make a big difference. Here’s how you can boost morale without adding pressure.

Acknowledge the elephant in the room

Don’t assume staff are returning full of energy and enthusiasm, many aren’t. That “New Year, New Me” feeling often fizzles fast. Simply acknowledging this can make a huge difference. Share that you’re also finding the transition back difficult.

When leadership is honest about challenges, it gives staff permission to be real. This openness builds trust and helps your team feel less guilty for not being at full speed right away.

Set short-term, achievable wins

January’s to-do list can feel endless. academic progress, inspections, attendance concerns. Break these tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Focus on quick wins during the first few weeks, such as:

• Refresh classroom displays together.
• Share a well-being tip in team meetings.
• Catch up on marking over coffee.

Achieving small tasks early on boosts momentum and helps staff feel accomplished without feeling overwhelmed.

Prioritise face time

January can lead to isolation as staff get buried in paperwork and planning. Make time to connect, walk the corridors, check in face-to-face, and hold team catch-ups that balance work with personal check-ins.

For staff who work remotely or across campuses, set aside a few minutes in meetings to talk about their break or interests outside the classroom. Genuine connection helps build a unified team spirit.

Inject some fun

Forced fun can feel awkward, especially when energy is low. Keep things optional and light-hearted, maybe host a casual staff breakfast or run a “Random Acts of Kindness” week. Small touches, like a surprise selection of pastries or a shared fruit basket, show you care about staff well-being.

Review the environment

Take a look at the physical environment, does the staffroom feel welcoming? Is there somewhere comfortable for staff to take a real break? Good lighting is crucial in January, so add lamps or plants to brighten communal areas. A tidy, well-organised space can also lift spirits, so consider setting aside time for staff to refresh their workspaces together.

Focus on development, not just output

January is a great time to focus on professional development. Offer practical training sessions, such as classroom management or safeguarding updates. Invite staff to reflect on their personal development goals or offer drop-in well-being sessions.

When staff feel invested in their growth, motivation naturally follows. Development is about supporting staff, not piling on more tasks.

Flexibility is your friend

Commutes are tough in January, whether due to weather or crowded transport. If possible, offer flexibility, like remote planning days. If staff are under the weather but still want to contribute, consider lighter duties or support from colleagues. Small acts of flexibility show you care about staff’s well-being, not just their performance.

Celebrate the small stuff

Don’t wait for big results to celebrate. Did a new teacher receive positive feedback? Did someone in the office go above and beyond? Acknowledge these achievements publicly, whether in meetings, on a noticeboard, or via email shout-outs. Creating a culture of everyday appreciation helps morale stay high, even when times are tough.

January doesn’t have to feel like an uphill struggle. Lead with empathy, set realistic goals, and be present. The small gestures, like listening, relaxed expectations, a croissant in the staffroom, can make a bigger impact than you might expect. How you support your team now will shape morale for the rest of the year.

Look after your team, hold the line together, and remember lighter, warmer days are ahead!