Returning to Work After the Holidays: Inclusive Strategies

The return to work after the holiday season often brings both excitement and challenges. For many, the shift back to routines can feel overwhelming, but it also presents an opportunity to rethink how workplaces support their teams. Small changes during transitions can create lasting inclusivity, fostering environments where everyone thrives.

Transitions after holidays affect all employees differently, regardless of how their minds work. Some neurodivergent individuals may face particular difficulties with sudden changes in routine, sensory environments, or communication patterns. However, many adjustments that support neurodivergent individuals also enhance workplace experiences for everyone. By considering a range of needs and preferences, workplaces can ensure their teams return to work feeling valued, understood, and ready to contribute.

Set the Stage with Clear Structures

Predictable schedules and transparent expectations help everyone ease back into the work routine. After the holidays, it is natural to feel disoriented by the shift from relaxed schedules to structured workdays. For autistic or ADHD employees, having clear timelines, step-by-step instructions, and organized workflows can provide comfort and direction.

Offering consistent communication and straightforward guidance on upcoming projects benefits everyone. When managers outline key tasks, schedule checkpoints, and make responsibilities visible, teams can approach their work with confidence. This structured approach reduces confusion, alleviates stress, and allows all team members to focus on their roles and responsibilities.

Creating Calm Workspaces for Everyone

Returning to a bustling office environment after quieter holiday surroundings can feel overwhelming. Bright lighting, persistent background noise, or sudden interruptions distract and unsettle many people. For some autistic or ADHD individuals, these sensory factors may significantly influence comfort and productivity. However, addressing sensory differences supports everyone.

Simple adjustments can make a substantial difference. Offering noise-cancelling headphones, adjustable lighting, or quiet spaces helps all colleagues find their preferred working conditions. Even team members who do not identify as neurodivergent often appreciate calm environments that minimize distractions. Acknowledging sensory well-being encourages focus, reduces stress, and makes the return to work more positive for everyone.

Inclusive Communication That Works for All

Communication styles vary, and after the holidays, it takes time for everyone to re-establish smooth interactions. While some people prefer detailed written instructions, others may thrive in brainstorming sessions. Individuals who are autistic or have ADHD often benefit from written follow-ups after verbal meetings, allowing them to process information comfortably.

Offering multiple channels and formats for communication ensures everyone has opportunities to engage in ways that suit them best. Providing meeting notes, visual project outlines, and the option for asynchronous feedback fosters thoughtful participation and reduces misunderstandings. This inclusive approach leads to better collaboration and idea-sharing, benefiting the entire team.

Aligning Tasks with Strengths

After a period of rest, returning to complex tasks may feel daunting. People have different cognitive patterns, attention spans, and strengths. For instance, an ADHD colleague may excel in fast-paced problem-solving sessions, while an autistic team member might thrive in detail-oriented analysis. Recognizing and aligning tasks with these strengths allows everyone to re-engage with purpose.

This approach is not about singling anyone out but about creating a culture where all individuals feel empowered to contribute. When managers encourage team members to work in ways that resonate with their abilities, projects move forward smoothly, morale improves, and everyone feels a sense of belonging.

Flexible Energy Management

During the holidays, changes in sleep, diet, and routines are common. Adjusting back to work may require time and flexibility. Supporting varied approaches to breaks, schedules, and energy management allows everyone to recharge at their own pace. For instance, some individuals may prefer frequent short breaks, while others benefit from quiet environments in the morning before joining collaborative sessions.

In addition, offering remote work or hybrid options, along with flexible start times, can make the transition more manageable. Scaling back on immediate demands—by reducing meetings in the first week back, for example—and focusing on “quick-win” tasks can boost morale and productivity. Easing into full schedules this way often helps teams rebuild momentum without sacrificing well-being.

By permitting flexibility, workplaces reduce fatigue and promote well-being. Recognizing that humans vary in how they recharge fosters a balanced, productive environment for all.

Celebrating Neurodiversity as a Strength

Neurodiversity reflects the natural variety of human minds, and inclusive workplaces view this as a strength. Individuals who are autistic or have ADHD bring unique problem-solving approaches and valuable perspectives to their teams. For example, their creativity, attention to detail, or ability to think outside the box often spark innovation and adaptability.

Rather than seeing adjustments as special measures, it is helpful to view them as universal enhancements. These practices create an environment where each person feels respected, supported, and equipped to do their best work. In turn, this leads to outcomes that benefit the entire organization.

Moving Forward Together

As the holiday decorations come down and routines resume, workplaces have an opportunity to adopt practices that uplift everyone. From creating predictable schedules and calm workspaces to embracing communication styles and recognizing individual strengths, these strategies foster inclusivity and shared success.

By celebrating different ways of thinking and working, organizations set the stage for greater collaboration, creativity, and growth. The return to work after the holidays becomes less stressful and more enriching, allowing everyone—regardless of how they experience the world—to find their footing and contribute with confidence. This shift benefits individuals, teams, and the broader community, turning the post-holiday period into a time of shared understanding and strength.