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Welcome Back, You’ve Weathered a Storm

The past few weeks have tested the resilience of our federal workforce in ways that only public servants understand. The uncertainty, the pause in purpose, and the challenge of waiting — all take a toll.

At Transformation Systems Inc. (TSi), we know that true leadership is not just about how we work during normal times, but how we reset after disruption. To all those returning to serve our nation’s missions, welcome back, and thank you for your patience, professionalism, and commitment.

First, Take Care of Yourself

Before diving into the backlog or tackling the inbox avalanche, take a moment to breathe. Shutdowns are stressful. The transition back can be overwhelming; emotionally, mentally, and logistically.

Start here:

• Reestablish your daily rhythm. Sleep, meals, exercise, and small rituals that ground you.
• Give yourself permission to ease back in; it’s not realistic to “catch up” all at once.
• If you lead others, encourage self-care across your team. Model it.
• Use your leave, take breaks, and reset your workspace to feel ready again.

Then, Manage the Overwhelm

Coming back to thousands of emails and project threads can feel paralyzing. But you don’t have to tackle it all today.

Here are a few simple ways to get started:

Triage, don’t tackle.
Identify what is urgent versus important. Not every email deserves a reply, and not everything is your responsibility to fix.

1. Revisit priorities.
   Ask: What’s mission-critical this week? Align your work around those outcomes.
2. Communicate clearly.
   Let your team or stakeholders know you’re catching up — set expectations early.
3. Use the tools at your disposal.
   Calendar blocks, filters, to-do lists, and collaboration tools (Teams, Planner, etc.) can help structure your day.

Refocus Together, You’re Not Alone

This is a time to reconnect. Not just to your workload, but to your team and purpose.

If you’re a leader:

• Check in with each team member, not just about tasks, but how they’re feeling.
• Create space for honest conversations. It rebuilds trust and momentum.
• Clarify goals for the next 30–60 days to help everyone feel direction again.

If you’re an individual contributor:

• Don’t isolate. Re-engage with colleagues and partners.
• Ask for clarity when priorities aren’t clear.
• Celebrate small wins! Momentum builds confidence.

Moving Forward with Purpose

At TSi, we believe resilience isn’t about “bouncing back”, it’s about bouncing forward with a new perspective. You’ve proven your commitment by weathering uncertainty. Now it’s time to turn that resilience into renewed focus and collaboration.

As you return:

• Pace yourself.
• Prioritize what matters most.
• Support one another with grace and flexibility.

The mission continues, and so does your impact.

TSi is proud to serve those who serve our nation. Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and leadership.