Coming back from vacation is… a mix. Part of you is still holding on to the slow mornings, the fresh air, the time away from screens. And then you open your inbox. You see the calendar filling up. The pace feels different. You might feel physically rested, but mentally? The spark isn’t always there right away.
That was me earlier this month. I’d been back for a few days, getting through the essentials but still feeling a little flat and nursing a cold from the flight. Then, on a morning walk (dog beside me, earbuds in), I caught an episode of Adam Grant’s podcast with psychologist Brian Little. And one idea caught my attention:
We do better when we have projects on the go.
Why Projects Matter (and Not Just for Productivity)
Brian Little’s work reminded me of something I think most of us already feel , but sometimes forget:
- Projects give us purpose. They’re not just tasks to tick off — they connect to who we are, what we value, and what we want to create.
- They create momentum. A project gives you a reason to get up, get moving, and keep showing up even when the everyday grind feels heavy.
- They build resilience. When work gets messy (and it will), a meaningful project can act like an anchor — keeping you connected to something bigger than the day’s to-do list.
Why HR Leaders Should Pay Attention
Meaningful projects aren’t just “nice to have.” They’re good for the bottom line.
Gallup research shows employees with clear, personally meaningful goals are 3.6 times more likely to be engaged. Engagement, in turn, is linked to:
- 43% lower turnover
- 17% higher productivity
And in hybrid or remote settings, these projects can help people feel connected, visible, and valued — all critical for retention.
What Counts as a Project?
Not every project has to be a massive transformation or career milestone. It can be something small that still feels like yours .
- Frontline staff: Simplifying a process that makes life easier for customers
- Remote employees: Starting a virtual “coffee & learn” group
- Leaders: Testing out a cross-department collaboration idea
- Support roles: Building a resource library to help the team work smarter
- Hybrid teams: Planning a quarterly in-person “connection day”
The magic is in ownership. It matters because it matters to you .
How to Re-Ignite Engagement After Time Off
That “back to school” energy in September (or the January reset) is a perfect time to get people thinking about projects again.
A few quick ideas:
- 30-Day Project Challenge: Invite employees to pick a small, meaningful project and complete it within a month.
- Re-Entry 1:1s: Ask, “What’s one thing you’d be excited to accomplish this quarter?”
- Visible Wins Wall: A shared space — digital or physical — where people can post updates and celebrate progress.
- Well-Being Tie-Ins: Encourage projects that support well-being, like revamping a workspace, creating a team ritual, or starting a peer-support group.
If you’re short on time, here’s the ultra-quick version:
- Email managers a single question: “In your next check-in, ask: What’s one project — big or small — you’d be excited to work on this quarter?”
- Have them jot down the answers and follow up in 4–6 weeks.
The Leadership Ripple Effect
When leaders share the projects they’re working on — especially the ones outside their “official” job scope — it sends a powerful message: creativity, curiosity, and growth aren’t just tolerated, they’re encouraged.
Your Spark Is Closer Than You Think
For me, that podcast was the nudge I needed. It reminded me that motivation isn’t always about pushing harder — sometimes it’s about reconnecting with something that excites you.
Whether you’re an HR leader thinking about team engagement, or simply someone trying to find your post-vacation rhythm, a project can be a surprisingly powerful spark.
And the best part? You don’t have to wait for the next quarter or annual planning session. You can start one today.
Want to bring this into your workplace?
At 12 Weeks to Wellness , we help organizations:
- Design project-based challenges that fuel engagement
- Integrate purpose-driven initiatives into wellness programs
- Coach teams and leaders to flourish — at work and beyond
Book a complimentary consultation to explore how we can help your team re-engage, re-energize, and thrive this quarter.
Author: Emma Carpenter
President and Workplace Wellness Strategist, BSC, Health Promotion
Emma has over 20 years of experience in the area of leadership and workplace health promotion and has worked with many private sector and public organizations in Canada and Europe helping them build a health promoting culture and design custom wellness solutions. Emma is passionate about designing workplace wellness solutions that help people reach their full potential by empowering them and giving them confidence and tools to make lasting lifestyle changes.