Imagine this scenario. You are back at the office or will restart working remotely after your holidays, still enjoying that vacation glow and riding high on positive spirits. But as you try to settle in, you notice the chaos that awaits. With a little clean-up, you power up your computer. And if you've managed to ignore your inbox notifications until this moment, you brace yourself to face the increasing number of unread e-mails. In this moment, no one can really blame you for feeling a bit of anxiety or perhaps a strong yearning to go back to relaxing.
Why Is It So Hard to Return to the Office?
Reacquainting yourself with ‘real life’ while battling the post-holiday blues can be a scary process. If you dive in head first, the stress can be overwhelming and make you question whether that vacation was worth it. As someone who strongly believes in the magic of a good holiday (and practices what he preaches), rest assured, it doesn't have to be this way.
In this blog, we'll explore four tips that have helped me ease back into work-life after the holidays, with confidence and enthusiasm.
1. Take a breather before going full speed – If you have a day or two before you get back to work, eliminate some of the stress you may be feeling by blocking some time to handle everyday tasks. Use this time to handle household chores like unpacking, restocking the kitchen, and laundry. Prioritise physical activities that can help you withstand the effects of travel fatigue, especially if you crossed time zones. To help you realign your sleep schedule, aim for your usual bedtime or slightly earlier. If a full day isn’t feasible, extend your out-of-office message for a smoother e-mail catch-up process, ensuring you can effectively prioritise your tasks and minimise stress.
2. Organise and prioritise – The post-holiday clean-up can be an intimidating sight. Do yourself a favour and shift your attention towards task prioritisation and setting achievable objectives. There’s no need to return to work, only to have the urge for another vacation!
3. Reconnect with colleagues and your work environment – One of the joys of returning to the office or work is reconnecting with your co-workers. Take the initiative to schedule a catch-up session over coffee or tea, or a virtual meeting with work colleagues. These interactions can not only help with rebuilding work relationships, but they can also provide a forum for sharing experiences and easing back into a collaborative mindset.
4. Manage expectations – Managing expectations can help you have a smoother transition and manage related stress. Don’t think you can get everything done as soon as you are back, and think neutrally about what the experience of working through your tasks might be like. In addition, to help you reduce the likelihood of feeling overwhelmed as much as possible, communicate openly with your supervisor(s) and teammates. Discuss workload expectations and deadlines, and be transparent about any challenges you might face in meeting them. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Company-assisted Reintegration
Getting back to your work routine after a holiday can be challenging. And while the above-mentioned strategies can help you take control and make your transition smoother and more manageable, the culture of the company you work for also plays a key role in your experience.
At Medline, employees are encouraged and provided with resources to help us maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a company that values and enables open communication and collaboration and general well-being, my colleagues and I have a lower likelihood of feeling overwhelmed or isolated upon our return to work after some time away. If your employer could do more in this area, take the opportunity to approach the human resources or a related department and share your feedback. This way, the next time you get back from vacation, you can confidently assess the situation, feel comfortable discussing your needs as necessary and empowered to manage expectations, as well as prioritise self-care. This not only helps in maintaining a relaxed feeling but also establishes the foundation for a healthy work-life balance throughout the rest of the year.
Finally, if you are now getting back from a well-deserved vacation, welcome back to work, and here's to a productive and smooth transition!
Luckson Sikananu
Communications Specialist, Medline Europe
Luckson holds a Master's Degree in Politics and Communication from the University of Amsterdam. With a keen interest in international relations, geopolitics, and a passion for podcasts, Luckson brings a unique blend of academic knowledge and enthusiasm for global affairs to the table. Beyond academics and politics, Luckson enjoys exploring diverse and international spaces and adding a multicultural perspective. Learn more on LinkedIn.
19 October 2023
