Ten tips for a fresh start after the summer break
Many people return to work after the vacations in mid-August. To help you overcome the post-summer blues and start the second half of the year full of energy, we have put together ten practical tips.
After a few weeks of sun, rest and leisure returning to work can feel like a cold plunge into the water. Many people find it difficult to get back into the office - but with a little planning and the right attitude, it can be much easier. HR consultancy Robert Walters reveals practical tips for a stress-free return to work after the vacations.
- Prepare the morning before
The alarm clock rings early again and it's especially hard after a vacation. Set the breakfast table in the evening, choose your outfit in advance and plan your commute. If possible, start with a home office day to make the transition smooth. - Start with a tidy desk
Still a mess on your desk from before your vacation? Take a moment to tidy up. Take a look at your physical documents, sort new documents and check your calendar for upcoming appointments. A tidy workplace creates an overview and clarity. - Get in touch with colleagues
While you were lying in the sun, business went on in the office. Take time for a chat: What has happened? Is there any news? A brief small talk about your vacation also creates closeness and makes it easier to get back to work. - A clever approach to the overcrowded inbox
Hundreds of unread emails? Instead of reading everything straight away, work with a simple color system: red for "urgent", blue for "less urgent", green for "can probably be deleted". This allows you to set clear priorities and avoid being overwhelmed. - Do not answer chronologically
The impulse to start with the oldest emails is understandable - but not efficient. Answers to earlier questions can often already be found in more recent emails. Therefore, start with the latest messages - this saves time and avoids duplicate communication. - Quality before speed
If you reply too quickly, you can easily overlook important details and create unnecessary queries. Instead, take the time to read each message thoroughly and respond thoughtfully. - Create a realistic to-do list
After checking your calendar and emails, it's worth making a to-do list. Prioritize according to urgency and determine what needs to be done today and what can wait. Start with smaller tasks to get back into work mode. - Postpone unimportant meetings
Is your diary full and your mailbox overflowing? Then less urgent meetings will have to wait. Postpone anything that is not immediately relevant until later in the week. - Healthy eating and exercise
Bring a healthy snack or a light lunch with you. Fruit, nuts or yogurt give you energy without making you tired. Use the lunch break for a short walk. Fresh air and exercise promote concentration and revitalize the mind. - Allow yourself breaks
If you think you can go full throttle for eight hours straight away on the first day, you're wrong. Manage your energy well so that you have enough energy for the rest of the week. And: don't extend your working day unnecessarily. The first day can be a little slower.
The first day back in the office is often chaotic and the wanderlust is still strong. But after a short time, you'll be back to your usual rhythm. And if you realize that you're not at all happy to be back? Then perhaps the time has come to look for a new job...
Source: Robert Walters
