Mid-Summer Check-In: EdFuel’s Tips for Staying on Track and Recharged

EdFuel | July 2025

You know that feeling, coming back from vacation and immediately thinking, “I need a vacation from my vacation.” We’ve all been there. This year, I was determined to break that cycle.

A few weeks ago, we had our summer quiet week at EdFuel, and my family hit the road for our annual trip to Disney World and to celebrate the 4th of July. Between endless hours at the beach, enjoying the theme park, good food, and reconnecting with loved ones, it was exactly the reset I needed – and for once, I came back feeling ready for what’s next.

But that didn’t happen by accident.

Before I left, I made myself a personal must-do list: schedule a dog walker, clear my inbox, remove perishables from the refrigerator, run what felt like 20 loads of laundry – you get the idea. Those intentional steps helped me truly unplug and come back recharged, rather than feeling overwhelmed.

Your list may be different, and to help get you started before you head out on a getaway or just plan to log off and breathe, we’ve pulled together a few EdFuel Must-Dos to help you (and your team) reset while staying ready for the work ahead. Check out our list below!

Must-Do #1: Keep Your Summer Hires & Staff Warm

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean communication should cool off.

Too often, new hires don’t hear a word from their future employer between offer and onboarding. Returning team members can also feel left out of the loop. But a few intentional moves now can save you from last-minute surprises later:

  • Stay in touch at least monthly with key updates (HR reminders, save-the-dates, etc.).
  • Automate it! Utilize AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude to support writing messages and leverage features to schedule and send later.
  • Spark excitement. Remind folks why they chose your organization in the first place, perhaps even with a little swag, if the budget allows.
  • Create connection. Pair new hires with veteran staff or host a casual summer social (virtual or in-person) to foster a sense of community early.

Must-Do #2: Refresh Your Strategic Talent Calendar

The summer slowdown is the perfect time to take a step back and zoom out on your talent strategy. What’s working? What’s missing? What’s slipping through the cracks?

Mapping out key talent actions, such as recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and retention, month by month, helps ensure alignment and intention throughout the year.

Not sure where to start? Check out our dynamic Strategic Talent Calendar development tool on the EdFuel Talent Playbook (shameless plug 😉).

 

Must-Do #3: Prioritize Wellness – for You and Your Team

This one’s non-negotiable. Everyone needs rest, including you.

We know it’s easy to ignore vacation days (46% of Americans don’t take their available vacation days), but rest is critical for your overall health, wellness, and productivity.

Whether you’re catching flights, binge-watching Netflix, or just reclaiming your weekends, take the time to recharge. The data backs it up: rest boosts focus, creativity, and overall leadership stamina. And your team will thank you for modeling it.

Still hesitant? Just know: rest isn’t a reward, it’s a responsibility.

 

Must-Do #4: Curate the Perfect Summer Playlist

No summer strategy is complete without the perfect soundtrack. The EdFuel team put together our go-to summer jams; feel free to steal, remix, and repeat!

🎶 Kerri-Ann

  • “APT.” By ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
  • “Nokia” By Drake

🎶 Nicole

  • “It Was Always You” By Leon Bridges and Carin Leon
  • “Party in the USA” By Miley Cyrus
  • “Let It Breathe” By Rob Riccardo

🎶 Rachel

  • “Azizam” By Ed Sheeran
  • “Pink Pony Club” By Chapell Roan

🎶 Ryan

  • “How Bad Do U Want Me?” By Lady Gaga
  • “Plastic Box” By JADE
  • “Alien Superstar” By Beyonce

🎶 Ashleigh

  • “Something Sweet” By Vincent Lima
  • “Wait for It” By The Cast of Hamilton

🎶 Saima

  • “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” By Karol G
  • “Callin U” By Elyanna

🎶 Marguerite

  • “SheHaww” By Randy Savvy
  • “You Are So Beautiful” By Joe Cocker

🎶 Katie

  • “Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
  • Anything Michael Jackson

 

We Want to Hear from You!

What’s on your Summer Must-Do list? And more importantly, what’s on your playlist? Reply and let us know how you’re resetting and recharging this summer. Let’s make space for the restoration we all need and set ourselves up to lead from a place of energy and clarity in the months ahead.