I hope that you’re reading this whilst still poolside sipping sangria. Or if not that you have returned from a break refreshed and raring to go.

I am in the latter camp having spent the summer on a tour of the English Shires - working remotely as children jumped in pools, played Dobble around me and asked for more squash.

Now back I thought it useful to share the top four things that internal communications professionals might consider when returning to the office after the summer break:

1. Listen to colleagues' summer insights

Summer often provides a chance for reflection and creative thinking. Co-workers may return with new ideas, insights, or brainwaves that can inspire fresh approaches to communication strategies.

Consider setting up listening sessions or informal catchups to gather these ideas. This can help you tap into valuable, innovative thoughts that might enhance your internal communications efforts.

2. Review and refresh your communications strategy

The start of the post-summer period is an ideal time to reassess your annual communications strategy. This ensures it remains aligned with organisational goals and can adapt to any new priorities or changes.

Why not do a strategic review session to evaluate what has worked well, what needs adjustment, and how you can innovate for the remainder of the year? If you involve key stakeholders in this process you’ll ensure everyone is on the same pages.

3. Re-engage the workforce

Employees returning from a break may feel disconnected. Re-engaging them fast is crucial for maintaining morale, productivity, and alignment with the company’s goals.

How about pushing out a series of communications that welcome employees back, update them on any changes, reignite enthusiasm and tell them what fun stuff they can expect over the coming weeks? Consider a mix of channels like newsletters, town halls, and team meetings to reach everyone effectively.

4. Plan for upcoming events and initiatives

The final quarter of the year often involves key events like end-of-year reviews, strategy rollouts, or holiday celebrations. Proper planning ensures these are communicated effectively, sensitively and contribute to a cohesive organisational culture.

Map out a communications calendar for the rest of the year, integrating major events, campaigns, and key messaging. Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of and prepared for these, with clear communication plans in place.

When something goes wrong with a strategy it’s almost always down to the communication. So by focusing on these areas, you can ensure a smooth transition back to work, while positioning themselves to drive engagement and success in the months ahead.