Struggling to settle back into work after a holiday? Try these strategies to maximise productivity. Lesley Cooper has your three-step plan
As your much-anticipated holiday comes to an end, returning to work can feel particularly challenging, draining the energy you replenished during your break. While many people assume they are alone in feeling this way, the ‘post-holiday blues’ are quite common, even for those who enjoy their job.
By focusing on the three key strategies you will find it easier to transition back into your routine, sustain your energy and enhance your productivity
A 2023 report from the Mental Health Foundation found that around 60% of UK employees experience stress when returning to work after a holiday. This stress often appears as feelings of sadness or irritability, fatigue and heightened anxiety over catching up on missed tasks. Such reactions are a natural response to the abrupt transition from a relaxed holiday setting to a more structured and formal work environment.
However, there are several steps you can take to ease your transition back to the office. In this article, I will delve into three key strategies to help you return to your routine, stay productive and maintain the positive energy you gained during your break.
1 Adjust your mindset
The first step in overcoming post-holiday blues is to adjust your mindset. Returning to work can feel overwhelming, but instead of fixating on the workload, try shifting your perspective. See this transition as an opportunity to channel your refreshed energy and creativity into projects that excite you.
It’s also crucial to recognise that settling back into work takes time. Even if you’re feeling down or anxious, be patient and kind to yourself. Give yourself the space to adapt and prioritise self-care. Amid the pressure of a lengthy to-do list, maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential. Adopting positive habits, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, can significantly help in re-establishing your routine, enhancing your wellbeing and reducing signs of burnout or stress.
2 Prioritise and manage tasks
Once your mindset is in the right place, it’s time to tackle the workload itself. Facing a mountain of emails and an overflowing to-do list can be daunting, often giving the impression that everything is urgent. However, diving into work without a plan can heighten your stress and end up being counterproductive.
To manage this, start by organising your tasks into four categories: those that require immediate attention; items that can be deferred for a few days; tasks that can be delegated; and projects that can be completed later.
Using this structured approach will help you manage your workload more efficiently, allowing you to make gradual progress and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Breaking larger tasks into smaller steps is another key strategy. Dividing major projects into bite-size actions makes them feel less daunting and easier to approach. You can further streamline your day by using time blocks to allocate specific periods for different types of tasks. For example, set dedicated blocks for responding to emails or focusing on high-priority projects. Additionally, you can schedule short breaks between these time blocks to recharge, which helps boost productivity and prevent burnout.
3 Set achievable goals
Once you’ve prioritised and organised your tasks, it’s important to set achievable goals to keep the momentum going. Instead of trying to accomplish everything at once, especially out of concern for appearing unmotivated or lazy, take a step back and reassess your expectations for the first few days back at work. It is important not to overwhelm yourself with too much pressure.
Focus on setting achievable goals that will keep you motivated as you ease into your routine. Once the most pressing tasks are handled, turn your attention to the smaller, more manageable ones. Completing these quickly will give you a sense of progress and help alleviate the stress of a long to-do list. As you see your tasks getting done, you’ll feel more in control and your confidence will grow. It can also help maintain motivation and improve your overall mood.
To keep productivity levels high, you could also try breaking your day into focused work intervals. The ‘two-minute rule’ is another helpful tactic – if something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. These small wins build momentum throughout the day, and celebrating these accomplishments, however small, can significantly boost morale.
If feelings of stress or anxiety linger, it may be worth considering whether these feelings are tied to your time off, or if there are other underlying factors contributing to your emotions. Seeking support, whether that’s from a team leader, HR manager or mental health professional, can help you address these concerns effectively.
Now put it into action
Post-holiday blues are a natural response to the transition back to work and may take some time to fully fade. By focusing on the three key strategies – adjusting your mindset, prioritising and managing your tasks effectively, and setting achievable goals – you will find it easier to transition back into your routine, sustain your energy and enhance your productivity.
Lesley Cooper is founder of WorkingWell and co-author of Brave New Leader: How to transform workplace pressure into sustainable performance and growth