How To Re-engage Your Team

This is the second of a four-part series on workplace conversations.

As the new year unfolds, private clubs experience an energy shift—some entering a quieter season while others ramp up for peak activity. Whether facing a post-holiday lull or managing the demands of a busy season, maintaining employee motivation and engagement is essential. A disengaged team can lead to service inconsistencies, lower morale, and missed opportunities to enhance the member experience. By intentionally re-energizing your staff, you can create a work environment where employees feel valued, focused, and ready to deliver exceptional service year-round. 

Understanding the Challenges. Before jumping into solutions, it is important to identify why employees may feel disengaged this time of year. Some of the challenges specific to the hospitality industry include: 

• Post-Holiday Burnout: Employees can suffer from burnout after a high-energy holiday season. The constant pressure of managing events, last-minute bookings, and large parties can leave staff feeling physically and mentally drained. 

• Navigating Seasonal Shifts. January and February bring distinct challenges for private clubs, depending on their location and member activity levels. In colder climates, where outdoor activities like golf are on hold, a lull in activity can lead to disengagement as employees feel their roles are less busy or impactful.  

Meanwhile, clubs in peak season may face the opposite challenge—high demand, long hours, and the risk of burnout. Whether experiencing a dip in energy due to slower operations or the strain of peak-season intensity, maintaining team motivation and engagement is key to delivering exceptional service year-round. 

• Seasonal Staffing Changes: Many golf and country clubs hire seasonal staff, leading to a fluctuating workforce. This turnover can disrupt team dynamics, creating gaps in cohesion and team morale. 

• Lack of Recognition or Rewards: After the intensity of the busy season, employees may feel overlooked if their hard work has not been recognized. Without acknowledgment, even the most dedicated employees may start to disengage. 

The good news is that there are actionable steps you can take to help your team regain focus and motivation.  

After a period of intense activity, your team may feel disconnected from the larger mission of the club. The first part of the year is the perfect time to re-align your staff with the club’s goals and stay on course for the remainder of the year. Hold team meetings to discuss what is ahead and remind everyone of their essential role in achieving these objectives. Reconnecting them with the bigger picture fosters a sense of purpose and pride in their work. 

No matter the season, recognizing your team’s hard work is essential for maintaining morale and motivation. In slower months, appreciation helps employees feel valued even when business is quieter, reinforcing their importance to the club’s success. During peak season, when demands are high, recognition can prevent burnout and sustain energy levels. Whether through a formal "Employee of the Month" program, performance-based incentives, or something as simple as handwritten thank-you notes, small gestures of gratitude foster a culture of appreciation that keeps employees engaged and committed year-round. 

Invest in Training and Development

Whether your club is experiencing a seasonal slowdown or operating at full capacity, training can be a powerful tool to keep employees engaged and motivated. For clubs in a slower season, this is the perfect time to invest in professional development—offering courses on hospitality skills, leadership, or specialized topics like golf etiquette ensures staff remain sharp and prepared for the busy months ahead. Meanwhile, for clubs in peak season, targeted training can reenergize teams, reinforce service standards, and provide valuable tools to help employees manage high-demand environments with confidence. Prioritizing learning not only enhances skills but also demonstrates the club’s commitment to long-term employee growth and success. 

Encourage Work-Life Balance 

No matter the season, prioritizing work-life balance is essential in the hospitality industry, where long hours and demanding schedules can lead to burnout. For clubs coming off a busy season, encourage employees to recharge—whether by taking well-earned time off or engaging in wellness activities. For those gearing up or already in peak season, remind staff to find small ways to rest and reset, even during high-demand periods. Supporting work-life balance, whether through flexible scheduling, wellness initiatives, or simply fostering a culture that values rest, leads to a more engaged, productive, and service-focused team year-round. 

Keeping your team engaged starts with clarity. Whether your club is in a slower season or at peak activity, ensuring employees understand their roles and goals is key to maintaining focus and motivation. Use quieter months to refine job responsibilities, set performance objectives, and align team members with the club’s vision for success. For clubs in peak season, regular check-ins and clear communication help employees stay on track amid the hustle. When everyone understands their role and how they contribute to the club’s success, they feel more confident, empowered, and invested in delivering exceptional service. 

Creating a supportive, inclusive work environment is essential to keeping your team motivated. Encourage a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and open feedback. When employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to stay engaged and contribute to a positive atmosphere. 

 Re-engaging your team after the holiday season—or during any seasonal shift—requires intentionality, effort, and consistency. Whether navigating a slower period or managing peak-season demands, fostering a work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and motivated is key. By prioritizing recognition, training, clear expectations, and work-life balance, you can keep your team energized and committed to delivering exceptional service all year long.