The return to work after a long break can feel both exciting and daunting. Whether you’ve spent the festive season with loved ones or simply recharged at home, getting back into the rhythm of work often feels like a task of its own. But with a bit of preparation, returning to work after any kind of break doesn’t need to be overwhelming. In fact, it can be an opportunity to start fresh, reset your routine, and approach your work with new energy.
In this guide, we’ll explore tips to help you ease back into work smoothly, manage stress, and set yourself up for success in the new year. And for those who’ve had a moment of clarity over the break and feel ready for a career shift, we’ll also discuss how to take those first steps towards change.
What to expect when returning to work
Returning to work after a break often comes with mixed emotions. You may feel a bit rusty, and maybe even slightly reluctant, as you swap holiday lounging for meetings and emails. This feeling is entirely normal, but it’s good to remind yourself that settling back into your routine will bring back a comforting sense of structure.
Planning your return thoroughly can make the transition much smoother. Whether you’re returning from the festive break, parental leave, or even a period of sickness, taking a little time to prepare will pay off. Let’s take a look at some of the tips we know can help ease you back into the world of work.
How to prepare for your return to work
Getting ready to return to work after time off isn’t just about packing your bag and setting the alarm. It’s about gently re-entering your working mindset so you can hit the ground running without feeling overwhelmed. Here is our advice to help you prepare effectively.
Stay connected
A quick message to your team or a scroll through recent updates can be a great way to catch up on what’s been happening while you’ve been away. Knowing a bit about any major developments or upcoming projects can help you feel more prepared.
Set boundaries early
Be kind to yourself as you adjust back into work mode. If possible, avoid scheduling lots of meetings on your first day. Give yourself time to settle in gradually and approach tasks at a comfortable pace, being sure to let your line manager know that your pace might be a little behind. We know how challenging it can be to set boundaries at work which is why we put together a blog to give you a helping hand.
Establish a healthy routine
While it’s tempting to dive right in, resist the urge to overextend yourself. Plan breaks, move around a bit during the day, and keep an eye on your workload so you don’t burn out in the first week back.
Getting your motivation to return to work
Finding motivation after time off can be challenging, but a few small steps can make all the difference in bringing back your drive. Here’s how to get back into a motivated mindset:
Prepare the night before
Lay out everything you need, from work clothes to your notebook, so the morning feels seamless. Minimising small decisions in the morning helps keep stress at bay before your commute, even if you’re working from home.
Sort through emails
If your inbox looks overwhelming, start by sorting emails by sender or subject. Flag the ones that need urgent responses and delete anything irrelevant. This can make your inbox feel more manageable and reduce the initial stress.
Set new goals
The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals. These could be anything from skill development to completing a project you’re passionate about. Setting achievable targets gives you something to work towards and adds purpose to your day-to-day tasks, giving you a much-needed push to start the year.
Tips to minimise back-to-work stress
Stress is natural, especially when returning to a busy work environment, but you can take steps to keep it under control. Here are some practical strategies to make your workday as stress-free as possible:
Break down your to-do list
Rather than facing a long list of tasks, try breaking your to-do list into smaller, manageable chunks. Completing small tasks creates a sense of progress, making you feel more accomplished and less stressed as you work through them.
Set up regular check-ins
Use your return as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues. A quick catch-up in the kitchen or virtual chat can lift your mood and help you feel more connected, particularly if you’re working remotely.
Make time for new routines
Try adding a relaxing morning ritual, like a short walk or a few minutes of meditation, to start your day calmly. Building small habits like this can have a big impact on your overall mood and help make the return to work a positive experience.
What to do if you want to change jobs
If you’ve come back from holiday and found yourself feeling less enthusiastic about your role, it might be time to consider a change. Time off can provide a new perspective, and if your current job no longer aligns with your goals or passions, this might be a natural moment to explore other options.
Changing careers is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. SEFE offers a range of job opportunities, and we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive, dynamic workplace culture that helps employees thrive. Whether you’re looking for new challenges, a better work-life balance, or a more fulfilling career path, exploring roles with SEFE could be the first step towards finding a job that genuinely excites you.
Returning to work after an extended break may feel challenging, but it can also be an opportunity for a fresh start. With some careful preparation and the right mindset, you can reduce stress, regain motivation, and settle into a healthy routine that will help you succeed in the coming year. And if your time off has led you to question whether it’s time for a career change, remember that the right role is out there for you.
To find out more about careers at SEFE please visit our homepage.
The views, opinions and positions expressed within this article are those of our third-party content providers alone and do not represent those of SEFE. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. SEFE accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or representations.
