Lesley Cooper is a management consultant with a background in health and wellbeing consulting in the private healthcare sector.
She has nearly 30 years of experience in the design and delivery of all elements of employee wellbeing management programmes. Lesley is the founder and CEO of WorkingWell, an award-winning specialist consultancy that helps organisations to manage pressure and stress in a way that facilitates a culture of sustainable high performance. She is also the author of Brave New Leader.
Coming back to work often means having to navigate a mix of challenges, with a touch of post-holiday blues and the looming pressure of urgent projects waiting to be completed.
Particularly in tech, where innovation moves quickly and expectations are high, the return to the office can prove especially challenging. Yet, this difficult moment offers exactly the perfect opportunity to re-engage with work and find a sustainable balance in the long run.
Here are three quick tips to help you ease back into work, keep the positive energy, and stay productive before you can recharge again.
It’s all about mindset
The first step to overcoming post-holiday slump is to change your mindset. Even when returning to the job they really like, many people still find it daunting to transition from a relaxing holiday back to work. It’s easy to get caught up in everything you need to do, but try to focus on using your fresh perspective and energy to spark new ideas and make progress on projects that really excite you.
But if your workload still feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to ask colleagues or managers for help. In many cases, tasks can be redistributed and deadlines adjusted without impacting overall results.
Approach your tasks strategically
It’s only natural to want to dive straight into work when everything feels urgent. But it’s also unrealistic to catch up on two weeks’ worth of work in your first days back at the office. A more effective approach is to organise your workload based on how much of a priority certain tasks are. Check in with your teammates or project lead to determine which items on the job list are really time-sensitive and which can wait, allowing you to focus your energy where it will have the biggest impact.
Also consider alternating high-priority jobs you find challenging with lower-priority but that you enjoy doing. This can give you the boost you need to tackle a task you’ve been dreading!
Don’t forget about recovery
It’s also key to prioritise your wellbeing and self-care. Simple habits like keeping a regular sleep schedule, making time for lunch, and practicing mindfulness can help you re-establish your routine and stay well.
Even more importantly, schedule some time for recovery during your working day. By intentionally recovering energy every 90-120 minutes, you give yourself the best opportunity to be at your optimum for most of the day.
Balance long meetings or complex tasks with similarly structured and focused recovery time. You can do it through moving the major body muscles by going on a walk or using the stairs, eating nutritious food, and, where possible, engaging in activities that will give you a mental reset, either by changing a task or away from work entirely, like having a social conversation or listening to favourite music.
No matter what, getting back into a work routine can take time, so be patient with yourself. These tips can help you settle in smoothly, tackle your priorities without overwhelm, and feel more motivated throughout the transition.
