Tips for Returning to Work After Holidays
Best Strategies for Going Back to Work After Vacation
Nov 12, 2009
Office workers and other employees make the best impression by preparing to return to work after holiday vacation.
It is good to have a job, but perhaps even better to get a break from work to enjoy the holidays. Relaxation and enjoyment are necessary elements in life, and relaxation is equally necessary when preparing to return to work. As vacation comes to an end, plan ahead to avoid stress and create the best possible back to work experience.
Preparation is both personal and professional.
Before Returning to Work
- Correct personal sleep cycle toward the end of holiday vacation. Start two or three days toward the end of vacation, and go to bed 1/2 hour earlier on the first night, an hour earlier on the second night, etc. Get up a little earlier each morning, as well.
- Avoid alcohol the day before returning to work.
- Thoroughly clean the home after the holidays. It is better to go back to work with a clean home than to have extra chores to do after a long day at work.
- Putting holiday decorations away will help create the feeling of normalcy.
- Launder (if necessary ) and set aside clean clothes for the first week of work. 6:30 a.m. is a bad time to discover that nothing clean matches.
- Shop and restock basic groceries. Make sure there is coffee and other appropriate breakfast foods before the first morning back to work.
- Develop or print pictures from vacation and time off with family and friends to decorate the workspace. Reminders of holiday fun make a cubicle or desk bright and cheerful.
Preparing for Return to Work
- Consider thinning emails (if granted access from outside of the office).
- Make a to-do list for the first day back.
- Arrive 15 minutes early, just on the first day.
- When making New Year's resolutions, make one for work.
Back at Work
- Greet others cheerfully and show readiness to start right away.
- Connect with the boss as soon as possible to make sure that the most important projects are being tackled first, and that the boss' wishes are understood.
- Connect with co-workers about any joint projects and projects completed during vacation as soon as possible.
- Pull out any and all unfinished projects from before holiday vacation. These may take precedence.
- If possible, avoid the temptation to stay late the first day back. This is exhausting to a person who has been away, and will lead to burn out.
These seemingly simple strategies make the transition from holiday vacation time to regular work schedule nice and smooth. Having a good first day back sets the tone for a good first week back, a good first month back, etc.
HOL101
The copyright of the article Tips for Returning to Work After Holidays in Personal Work Habits is owned by Beth Taylor. Permission to republish Tips for Returning to Work After Holidays in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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