Resetting for Success
Why transitioning back is tough
Returning to work after a relaxing summer break can feel like a daunting task. Many of us struggle with the post-holiday blues, disrupted routines, and the stress of catching up on work. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Let’s explore how we can make this transition smoother.
Post-holiday blues and disrupted routines
Ever noticed how hard it is to get back into the groove after a holiday? It’s not just you. Studies show that employees often experience a drop in productivity and increased stress levels when returning from a break. The key is to reset effectively and prevent these challenges from impacting our work.
*62% of UK employees report feeling more stressed after returning from a holiday.
How can we reset effectively?
Preparing your mindset
Imagine trying to run a marathon without training. That’s what jumping back into work can feel like after a break. Routine is key, so small things like adjusting your sleep schedule before you return can make a big difference. Practising mindfulness can also help reduce stress and improve focus.
**Five health and wellbeing benefits employees are interested in are:
- Good nutrition
- Keeping active
- Sleeping well
- Maintaining a positive attitude
- Managing weight
Returning to a healthy routine
Returning to your regular exercise and healthy eating habits after a holiday is tricky, but will really support your focus, motivation and energy when it comes to getting back to work. If you’ve taken a break from exercise during the holidays, ease back in with lighter exercises like walking, stretching or yoga, and plan your exercise for the week.
Focus on reintroducing nutritious foods into your diet and gradually cut back on sugar and processed foods. Try meal prepping so that you have ‘go to’ healthy options during the week.
Creating a space for success
A cluttered workspace can be a significant distraction, making it difficult to focus and complete tasks. This is particularly relevant if you are working from home and the break has meant that personal items have spread into your workspace.
Spend some time organising your desk and digital files before you dive back into work. A clean, organised environment can boost productivity and reduce stress.
Prioritising and planning
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by a mountain of tasks. Set small, achievable goals for your first week back. Prioritise your to-do list by focusing on the most critical tasks first.
Break your work into manageable chunks and take regular breaks to maintain your energy and focus.
**38% of employees say that looking after their health and wellbeing keeps them motivated and focused.
Reconnect with your team
You’re not alone. Reconnect with your colleagues: share your experiences from the break, catch up on what’s been happening at work and discuss your plans for the upcoming weeks. This can help rebuild team cohesion and provide a support network. Remember that others may have been covering your work while you’ve been away, so show your appreciation!
**Employees feel the strain when colleagues are off – over 31% of employees feel workload pressures ease when employers provide health and wellbeing support.
How can employers set up their workforce for success after a break?
A successful transition back to work requires a proactive approach. Whilst your employees can take steps to help them return to work feeling refreshed, company health and wellbeing strategies can effectively support a smooth transition.
Personalised wellbeing programmes
Help your employees get back into healthy routines with health and wellbeing benefits that encourage them to take control of their health. A programme that addresses lifestyle factors such as nutrition, sleep, digestive health and exercise can really support your employees at times when they need a bit of motivation and guidance, like after a holiday.
**38% of employees would be interested in nutritional support offered by their employer.
**36% of employees would welcome sleep advice from their employer.
Taking care of employee health
Health should always be a priority for employers. Supporting employees to improve their quality of life by tackling underlying risk factors and causes of ill health such as diet, exercise and mood, can help them maintain healthy habits throughout holiday periods and get back into a good routine more quickly.
**37% of employees say that workplace health and wellbeing benefits enable them to be more proactive about improving their health.
Prevention is better than cure
Employees may feel high levels of stress before taking annual leave, trying to get things done before they go away. When the stress subsides as they relax, it can temporarily lead to a weakening of the immune system. The same can be said for change in routine, accumulating fatigue and change in environment.
Encourage your employees to prioritise their health and wellbeing throughout their work and personal life by providing wellbeing tools that promote resilience such as Mental Health First Aid and physical wellbeing to prevent stress and burnout.
The key takeaway
Creating a culture that prioritises employee wellbeing is essential to help people be at their best throughout the year. While it’s important to encourage employees to take holidays, helping them get back to productivity following a break is not only good for business but good for the employee too.
When employees feel supported, they are more likely to stay productive and engaged. Let’s reset for success and make the transition back to work as smooth as possible.
*https://peopleinsight.co.uk/employee-wellbeing-guide/
**A study on how gender and age influence workplace health and wellbeing – HCML, 2024.