How to Increase Employee Productivity After Hari Raya

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a time for joy, family, and celebration in Malaysia.

Employees take time off to be with loved ones, enjoy traditional food like ketupat, and share duit raya with children.

But after a long holiday, getting back to work can be a challenge. Many employees may feel less motivated, struggle to focus, or take time to adjust to their normal routine.

As an employer, you might notice a drop in productivity during this period.

But don’t worry—this is completely normal! With the right strategies, you can help your team get back on track quickly.

Here are some simple and effective ways to boost employee productivity after Hari Raya.

Let’s make the transition smooth for everyone!

Why Productivity Drops After Hari Raya (And Why It’s Normal)

After Hari Raya, many employees find it hard to get back into work mode. But why does this happen?

Hari Raya isn’t just another public holiday—it’s a major celebration. Many employees travel back to their hometowns, spend time with family, and enjoy the festive mood.

By the time they return to work, they may feel tired or still in holiday mode.

Some even take extra leave, turning this into a long holiday (for example, a 9-day stretch from 29 March to 6 April 2025!).

With such a long break, getting back into a work routine can be tough.

For employers, this can be a challenge. Work deadlines are still there, and business must go on.

But pushing employees too hard right after Hari Raya can have negative effects.

Instead, a bit of planning and understanding can help bring back productivity.

Tips to Boost Employee Productivity After Hari Raya

1. Start Slow and Make It Easy

After a long Hari Raya break, employees might still be in a festive mood, thinking about family gatherings, good food, and long traveling.

Jumping straight into heavy work can feel overwhelming.

A better way? Give them a soft start.

Begin the first day with a light schedule.
Have a short team catch-up over coffee or some leftover festive treats.
Let them go through emails and get back into the work mindset at their own pace.

Avoid big meetings or urgent deadlines on the first day.

By the second or third day, they’ll naturally get back to full speed.

This small effort shows you understand that returning to work after Hari Raya takes time, and it helps employees feel more motivated and valued.

2. Celebrate Hari Raya at Work

Hari Raya may be over, but that doesn’t mean the festive joy has to end!

Bringing that positive energy into the workplace can help your team feel more connected and motivated.

Consider hosting a simple post-Hari Raya gathering.

It doesn’t have to be grand—just some kuih-muih, a potluck with leftover dishes, or a fun session where everyone shares their best Raya stories.

You can also brighten up the office with small decorations like ketupat motifs or fairy lights to keep the festive mood alive.

A little celebration goes a long way. It helps strengthen team bonds, creates a warm office environment, and keeps employees engaged.

After all, a happy team is a productive team!

3. Set Clear Goals and Priorities

Coming back to work after a break can feel overwhelming. Some employees may not know where to start.

That’s why it’s important to give them clear direction.

Have a quick meeting or send a short message to highlight the top priorities for the week.

Instead of giving a big task like “Planning to increase sales conversion,” break it into smaller steps: “Finish sales report by Wednesday, and we’ll review it together.”

This makes the work feel more manageable and helps employees stay focused.

A simple way to keep track of progress is by using tools like Trello, Jira, or a whiteboard.

When employees can see what’s ahead and feel in control, they’ll be more motivated and confident to get started.

4. Be Flexible When Possible

Hari Raya is a time for late nights, long drives, and family gatherings.

Some employees may still feel tired after all the celebrations.

Giving them a little flexibility can help them ease back into work and stay productive.

If possible, allow them to work from home or adjust their working hours for the first few days.

For example, they could start later if they’re still recovering from travel. If your business allows it, consider remote work for lighter tasks on the first day back.

This small act shows that you care about their well-being. When employees feel supported, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

Flexibility isn’t about working less—it’s about helping them recharge so they can do their best.

5. Reward and Motivate with Simple Incentives

A warm welcome back after Hari Raya can boost morale and keep your team motivated. The good news?

It doesn’t have to be expensive—small rewards can make a big impact.

Consider giving duit raya token, like RM20 in a green packet, to each employee. It’s a simple way to spread joy.

You can also introduce a team challenge, where employees get a half-day off or a special lunch if they reach a key goal by the end of the week.

Some companies even give out festive hampers or shopping vouchers as a bonus.

These small gestures show that you appreciate their hard work. When employees feel valued, they stay engaged and perform better.

6. Help Your Team Get Back on Track with Training

After a long break like Hari Raya, some employees might feel a little out of sync with their work.

Instead of expecting them to jump back in at full speed, why not give them a quick refresher?

Organize a short training session to help them regain their confidence.

For example, if your sales team uses a CRM tool, a 30-minute recap can make a big difference.

The goal isn’t to point out mistakes—it’s to provide support so they can perform at their best.

When employees feel that their company cares about their growth, they’re more motivated and engaged.

A little effort in training can go a long way in boosting both morale and productivity.

8. Lead by Example

Your team looks up to you. After Hari Raya, they’ll take cues from your attitude.

If you come back to work feeling refreshed and motivated, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

Start the day with a warm “Selamat Hari Raya” and share a small, personal story from your celebrations.

This helps build connection and makes the workplace feel welcoming.

Show excitement for the tasks ahead, but be genuine—your team can sense if you’re not fully engaged.

When you bring positive energy, it spreads. If you stay focused and motivated, your team will follow.

True leadership isn’t just about giving instructions—it’s about inspiring others to do their best.

Why This Matters for Your Business

You might be thinking, “This sounds great, but how does it help my business?” The answer? A lot!

When employees get back into work mode quickly after Hari Raya, everything runs smoother.

Deadlines are met, projects stay on track, and your team feels appreciated.

A happy team also means less turnover, saving you from hiring new staff.

Whether you run a retail store, a factory, or a tech startup, these strategies keep the momentum going—even after the holiday break.

Need to Hire After Hari Raya? Here’s Your Chance!

To improve your hiring productivity, from 2 to 9 April 2025, you could get Duit Raya Touch ‘n Go credits total RM1,888 daily from AJobThing.

Simply register and join WhatsApp Channel.

If you’re hiring after raya, you can post job openings on Maukerja or Ricebowl and connect with over 6 million job seekers in Malaysia.

Your next great employee is waiting!

FAQs

1. Why are employees less productive after Hari Raya?

They’re adjusting from holiday mode, dealing with travel fatigue, or simply getting back into routine. A bit of patience and smart planning can help.

2. Should I expect full-speed work immediately after Hari Raya?

No. If you push too hard, employees may feel overwhelmed. A gradual return to full workload works better.

3. How can small businesses manage with fewer staff?

Try cross-training employees before the break or hiring temporary staff. Allowing flexible work options can also help.

4. Do small incentives like duit raya really help?

Yes! A simple gesture like duit raya can boost motivation and make employees feel appreciated.

5. How long does the post-Hari Raya slump last?

Usually less than a week, but with the right support, employees can bounce back even faster.

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