People who are at work every day take for granted their knowledge about decisions being made, progress or challenges with a particular project, or achievements worth celebrating.
If you miss a day of work, it seems like you spend part of the next day catching up on what you missed while you were away. The first day back from vacation is often invested in getting back up to speed with what everyone is doing.

Imagine being gone for months! If your returning co-worker is able to read through a journal to learn what has happened and pick-up the heartbeat of the organization again, assimilation back into the work group will be so much smoother. Returning to the work environment will be difficult enough for people who have lived for months in a totally different environment—whether they’ve stayed in the United States or served overseas. A written or spoken (audiotapes or CDs can add a new dimension to your communication) record of significant events and knowledge will be a very effective welcome-home gift.

Social events in the workplace community just happen, almost every day. Carol’s daughter won a talent contest at school. Belinda’s sister earned her Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do. David finally got that new car he wanted (and it barely fits in his garage!). Happy news, sad news, funny news…it’s all part of the fabric of the interwoven relationships that mean so much to every employee.

Bonus idea: Post the journal on an intranet site so all employees can contribute. Hint: a few words from the CEO once in a while will demonstrate high level support, caring, and engagement.

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