10 Tips for Returning to Work Successfully After the Holidays
First day back. Cup of coffee in hand, turn on the computer and start all over again. Emails to read and answer. Pending tasks and projects haven’t gone away and are still waiting for you. You close your eyes and remember that only yesterday you were enjoying the beach.
Returning to the routine
The feeling can overwhelm anyone. The return to the routine is particularly arduous and is also known as the post-holiday syndrome, a transient situation that manifests itself with symptoms such as fatigue, drowsiness, muscle aches, lack of concentration in the first days of returning to work.
Post-holiday syndrome
In general, there are few people who return to work with energy and a desire to resume the daily workday. When these symptoms occur, it is often said that they are victims of post-holiday syndrome, which mostly affects young adults between 25 and 40 years old.
Although post-holiday syndrome is not recognised by international health authorities, it is generally accepted that returning to work after the holidays is a difficult period. However, ESHA Spain offers your 10 tips to make the transition from holiday to work a success and less traumatic.
- Avoid a hard landing
Returning to work immediately after your vacation ends is often a common idea among those who want to make the most of the summer period. However, it is not recommended for the return to working life.
Plan to return home at least a day before you return to work. You’ll have time to catch up on sleep and physically replenish yourself from a long trip, to unpack and tidy up your luggage, organize household chores, and even do some shopping to face the first week at home.
2. Organize your first day
Take some time the day before thinking about the things you’ll need to do at your job. Sort out your thoughts and put together a list of unresolved issues before you even get to the office. That contributes to feeling more prepared and organized when you arrive at your workplace.
3. Arrive earlier at the office
For those coming back from holiday it may seem crazy, but it’s worth it. In addition to having the time factor on your side, you can avoid the crowds during rush hour making sure you get in with plenty of time.
Another benefit of getting up early is getting to the office before others and rejoining a more relaxed and tranquil environment, which will allow you to put things in order and even have a relaxed coffee while you get back in contact with your workspace.
4. Prioritize your tasks at work
Based on the list you’ve previously thought about, plan what and how you’re going to execute your tasks on your first day of work. Organize everything in order of priority. If there is unfinished business that wasn’t finished before you went on holiday, it’s a good idea to start with that. Meaning that you will not be continually catching up.
It is advisable to start with the small things first and, as far as possible, avoid scheduling meetings and taking on new issues immediately. That will let you gradually pick up pace, allowing you to avoid feeling overwhelmed on your first days.
5. Organize your emails wisely
Replying to all emails at once is an excellent proposal. However, it is unlikely you will achieve this due to all the things you will have pending.
Prioritise those that require an immediate response and eliminate all spam messages, which will leave your inbox looking a bit more manageable.
6. Set short breaks in your schedule
You will not be able to complete everything in one day, so work methodically allowing yourself short breaks.
7. Making contact with your work colleagues
The first few days after the holidays are ideal for catching up with workmates and sharing summer experiences. It’s a good opportunity to find out if there have been any major changes while you were away.
Without taking time away from productive hours, think about having lunch with colleagues or organizing a short outing after the day. In addition to making the return to your functions lighter, it generates a positive atmosphere in the office.
8. Fresh set of eyes
Returning from holiday is an excellent opportunity to get a different perspective on problems. A fresh set of eyes may allow you to find a creative solution to a pending problem or issue.
9. Set new goals
If during the holidays you were thinking about new challenges and goals, the return to work is an excellent time to take the first step. When you return to work, you can take advantage of your new energy to find the motivation you need to do a course or other type of specialization that you have proposed.
10. Dedicate time to leisure
Find a work leisure balance that suits you. Practice a sport, organize social gatherings with your friends or just stay at home enjoying a good book or your favorite series. You can also start thinking about your new trip and already schedule your vacation and work towards achieving that goal.
Following these tips will allow you to face the return to the work routine with better disposition, greater empowerment of your time and organization to execute the tasks your work demands.
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