Dreading going back to work after your holiday? Tips for making your return to work easier after periods of leave
The first couple of days back after time off can be chaotic. Returning to work can be daunting. The fear the night before of forgetting how to type, a desk piled high with work and a calendar full of meetings. We’ve all been there.
There are some simple steps you can take to help you prepare for your return to work!
Be organised
Don’t leave the planning for your first day back until the night before. Sort your outfits out for the week, plan your travel and meals in advance. This will give you one less thing to worry about.
Set up your workspace
Before you start working after a period of leave, take a couple of minutes to organise your desk and look through any notes you made before you went off on annual leave. Declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need. Get yourself comfortable without distractions to get your head back into your work. Ultimately, create a space that works for you.
Make use of your handover
Before you finish for annual leave, make sure you produce a clear handover. This will ensure your colleagues know how to support your workload whilst you are away, and ensure you know what you had on when you left. Making it a lot easier to hit the ground running when you return to work.
Talk to your colleagues
Find out what has been happening while you’ve been away. So, you are in the loop. It will ensure you are up-to-date of any changes and updates.
Check in with your Manager
Sit down with your Manager and have an open conversation about your workload. If your job role or responsibilities are changing find out exactly what is expected of you.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for help. For example, if you are using new systems or you need to know about progress made on a client’s work.
Write a to-do list
On your return, write a to-do list for each day of the week, breaking your tasks down into manageable chunks. It will prevent you from becoming overwhelmed, and you will be able to see that you are on track to reach your weekly goals. However, don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get everything done. The first week back is always chaotic, with unplanned meetings and people wanting a catch up.
Sort your inbox
Got hundreds of emails? Delete anything irrelevant. Then categorise and divide the remainder by tasks and priorities. Use flags or create folders within your inbox for urgent tasks or different projects, to help you stay organised.
Delegate work
Delegate any tasks you can to make your first couple of weeks back to work a little easier. Doing so will allow you to concentrate on your main work tasks or projects.
Connect with any external contacts
It’s important to touch base with any customers or suppliers on your return to ensure you are up-to-date and business is running smoothly. By letting them know that you are back, will show that you are thinking about them, maintain the relationship and show that you are keen to get started again with your work.
Be kind on yourself
Make time for yourself on your first week back. Eat well and make sure you take your lunch breaks. Also, leave work at a reasonable time to ease yourself back in and do things you enjoy outside of work.
By following these simple steps, you can make sure you’re prepared and ready to get back into the swing of things!
For further reading, click here to read our tips for increasing productivity in work.