Returning to Work: Post-Vacation Tips and Advice

As September approaches so does the return to our routines. Sometimes returning to work after the holiday period can be rather *difficult*, that’s why we want to help by giving you some tips and advice.

Many people are returning to the office and working face-to-face after a prolonged time working from the comfort of home. This means acquiring a new timetable and routine as well as reintegrating with colleagues for long hours which only adds to the difficulties of going back to work.

Getting back to your routine can be a positive thing however, it takes time to adapt and reintegrate into the work mindset and environment.

Adapting successfully will lead to increased levels of concentration and attention at work, lower stress levels and overall feeling better which consequently will reduce the likelihood of accidents and illnesses at work.

Here are some tips to help you navigate your return to work in the best possible way, looking after *yourself* and your health:

1. Follow healthy habits.

2. Adjust your sleeping schedule.

3. Plan ahead.

4. Maintain your hobbies and leisure time.

5. Attitude is important.

6. Take your time.

1. Follow healthy habits

Sporting a healthy diet, exercising and getting eight hours of sleep a day are always beneficial habits for the body but if you are facing stress, for example due to going back to work, these habits will help even more to make the change more bearable and easy.

In terms of nutrition, if you are returning to work in-person, try to make an effort to cook your lunch instead of consuming ready-made meals or fast food in excess. It is easy to fall into these practices especially in the first few weeks back, so plan your time well to prepare for this.

2. Adjust your sleeping schedule

During time-off and holidays your sleeping schedule will allow for more variation and flexibility which makes the sudden change and need to adjust to a fixed sleep routine all the harder.

It is advisable to synchronise your sleeping habits to your work routine, preferably starting a few days before to help your mind and body adjust.

If you are still on holiday making the most of the warm weather and summer days that are left, it may be a good idea to start waking up and going to sleep a little earlier, little by little.

3. Plan ahead

As you return to the office, it might be necessary at first to catch up with the tasks that were left unfinished while also tending to the new tasks that may have arisen while you were on holiday.

Spend some time catching up and reviewing the status of ongoing projects, without trying to take on too much. Use tools, digital or otherwise, to make your planning easier.

It is normal to need a couple of days to get organised, get back on track with the rest of the team and plan new projects ahead.

Remember to respect your work schedule and pre-established time slots: organising and planning is also working and thus should take part of your working hours.

4. Maintain your hobbies and leisure time

Going for a sunset walk on the beach, having an ice cream with friends in the afternoon, reading a book or having a nice long breakfast are some things you may have done during your holidays.

Maintaining them for at least some time can be positive, as it will make the transition into a new routine easier, more bearable and digestible. You can even take the opportunity to enjoy your leisure time with your colleagues at the end of the day, building on work relationships.

Either way, it is essential to maintain a work-life balance, especially during more stressful times such as returning to work. Allow yourself to switch off.

5. Attitude is important

Going for a sunset walk on the beach, having an ice cream with friends in the afternoon, reading a book or having a nice long breakfast are some things you may have done during your holidays.

Being aware that the feelings are temporary and having a goal will help you face the return to work with perspective.

Seeking the support of others (work colleagues, family, friends, etc.) is also very positive, although be careful not to become excessively negative as it can affect your relationships with others.

6. Take your time

Whether you are working from home or starting to work in the office, try to set aside a little more time for preparing or traveling to and from work, if necessary.

Rushing through new routines does not help, so instead of sleeping those five extra minutes, use them for other productive things: the peace of mind that comes from not rushing will be very beneficial for managing your stress, regulating your feelings, bettering your physical health and even elevating your mood.

Having a safe return to work

A healthy return to work will facilitate safer performance and remember that a person’s condition and well-being can have a great influence on the frequency and nature of accidents at work.

All these tips will help decrease situations involving low levels of attention, stress, anxiety, rushing and other negatively-impacting conditions which in turn reduces the chances and risks of accidents at work.

Take note of these tips, adapt them to your situation and enjoy a safe, happy and healthy return to work.

Safeguru | Delivering a Safer Future