How to Check-in After an Extended Leave

Returning to work after an extended leave can be challenging, especially if you’re the CEO of a small business. You might feel overwhelmed by the thought of catching up with everything that’s happened in your absence and the possibility of disconnection between you and your team members. However, with the right strategies, you can ease the transition and get back to running your business smoothly. In this blog post, we’ll explore three methods of checking in after extended leave as a small business CEO.

1. Schedule One-on-One Meetings with Your Team Members

The first thing you should do after returning to work is to schedule one-on-one meetings with each of your team members. During the session, you can catch up with what has been happening in your absence, get feedback on how things have been going, and address any issues that may have arisen. It’s also an opportunity to connect with everyone and show them you’re back and ready to lead.

During these meetings, keep an open mind and let your team members do most of the talking. Ask questions about their thoughts on the company’s direction and the plans they have for the future. You might learn valuable insights into the business and discover areas needing improvement.

2. Review Your Business Reports and Financial Statements

Another important method to check in after an extended leave is to review your business’s reports and financial statements. These documents can provide a comprehensive overview of how the company has been performing and give you an understanding of its financial health.

Look for trends, opportunities for growth, and areas that need improvement. Identify any gaps between your business goals and your current performance. Take note of any significant changes in your finances and operations.

If your business has been growing during your absence, take some time to celebrate your achievements with your team. They’ll appreciate the recognition of their hard work and dedication.

3. Revisit Your Business Vision and Set New Goals

Returning from extended leave is an opportunity to reflect on your business’s vision and evaluate if it aligns with your current priorities. This time is also the perfect opportunity to set new goals and align your team members’ objectives with the company’s vision. It would be best to revisit your business plan to determine if it needs any revision or updating.

Involve your team in goal-setting by brainstorming together and capturing everyone’s ideas. Be transparent about your expectations and communicate your vision for the company long-term. 

It can be challenging coming back after spending such a long time away from your business, but with the right systems and proper planning, this process will be much easier than it seems!

To learn more about what you should prepare to do before taking maternity leave or extended leaves in general, join us live at Business and a Baby: The Maternity Debrief, April 18th, 2023.