Lesley CooperReturning to the office after a summer break can be particularly challenging. It is common for employees to experience a drop in motivation and newly regained energy, even for those who enjoy the job they are coming back to.
A recent survey found that as many as 78% of UK professionals report feeling anxious about returning to work after annual leave. 51% admitted to checking work emails during their time off to manage the backlog they’ll face upon return.
It is not surprising then that heightened anxiety over catching up on what you’ve missed can reduce motivation, increase stress levels, and lead to fatigue. So, how can people re-engage and refocus after the summer break to make sure they deliver their best work?
Here are some helpful ways to ease back into your routine, stay productive, and keep the positive energy you built up during your holiday.
Change your mindset
Overcoming the post-holiday slump starts with adjusting the mindset. Tackling what may seem like an endless to-do list can feel daunting, but instead of focusing on the workload itself, try changing your perspective. Reframe this transition as a chance to channel your energy and fresh ideas into making progress on projects that you’re truly enthusiastic about.
No matter what, easing back into work can take time, so be patient with yourself. Prioritise your wellbeing and self-care. Healthy habits like keeping a regular sleep schedule, making time for lunch, and eating nutritious food can help you reestablish your routine and boost your mood.
But if you still find it difficult to manage your workload, don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues for support and delegate tasks where possible. In many cases, tasks can be reassigned among team members and deadlines adjusted with minimal impact on results.
Be strategic and prioritise
Feeling overwhelmed by an overflowing inbox and the sense of urgency that comes with it is completely normal. But diving straight into work can sometimes backfire, adding to your stress instead of reducing it.
The best way to avoid this is to organise your tasks into categories based on how much of a priority they are. For example, those that need immediate attention, tasks that can be delegated to others, and jobs that can be postponed for a couple of days or even weeks. With a structured approach like this, you will be able to manage your workload more effectively, allowing you to make steady progress and feel more in control.
Also consider interspersing high-priority jobs that you actively dislike with ones of lower priority but that you enjoy doing. This can give you the energy boost you need to make a start on a task you are not looking forward to!
Set realistic goals
It isn’t realistic to catch up on two weeks’ worth of work in your first day at the office. Yet many try to do so, which quickly drains the energy they’ve just replenished and may leave them feeling demoralised at the end of their first few days back.
To maintain momentum, it is important to set achievable goals. Start with manageable tasks that will keep you motivated to power through and celebrate small wins. Your expectations for the first few days will set the tone for your overall experience of returning to work. Taking things step by step can help you build confidence and regain control without unnecessary stress.
By following these steps, you’ll give yourself the best position to re-engage with your work, tackle your priorities with energy and focus, and sustain motivation all the way to your next break.
Lesley Cooper is founder and CEO of Working Well
