5 Tips for Getting Back to Work After a Vacation
Coming back to work after a vacation can be tough. One minute you’re enjoying sun and fun, only to return to a mountain of real-world responsibilities and obligations.
Despite lingering concerns about COVID both nationally and internationally, more people are vacationing this summer. If you’re planning on taking a vacation in the coming weeks or months, there are a few things you can do before you leave (and when you get back) to help you beat the post-vacation blues.
Here are 5 tips that will help soften the blow when you get back to work:
Plan for Your Return
Before a vacation, most of us are busy daydreaming about our upcoming time off. We are packing, planning, and counting down the days until leave. But, to make your return to work easier, you need to make plans for your return. Make a list of things to take care of when you get back, and work ahead if you can. Let clients know in advance that you will be gone. And consider working in an extra day off between when you get home and when you come back to the office to take care of things around the house or to recoup before your return.
Organize Your Desk Before You Leave
If you return to work and your desk is a disaster, it will only increase your after-vacation anxiety. It is much more refreshing to come back to a clean, organized desk. You won’t feel as if you have a pile of work to get through, and you will feel more prepared to take on the tasks of returning to work.
Keep You Out-of-Office Message on an Extra Day
Give yourself a day dedicated to getting caught up and leave your out-of-office message on the first day you get back. The folks in your office will obviously know you’re there, but the extra day will give you time to get reacclimated without answering a barrage of emails. This may not be possible for everyone — there may be pressing emails you need to answer immediately — but if possible, give yourself the gift of an email-free first day back.
Don’t Schedule Any Meetings for the First Few Days
Meetings are notorious time wasters and, frankly, you don’t have time to waste. Give yourself time to get through the work you missed and keep your post-vacation schedule meeting-free for the first few days.
Make a To-Do List
Coming back to a large amount of work is overwhelming. The first thing you should do when you get back is make a to-do list. By listing and prioritizing your tasks, you’ll make it easier to wrap your head around everything you need to get caught up on.
Do you dream of coming back to a new job after vacation?
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