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How should the first day back after a holiday be managed?

During the return to work after a holiday, experts say it is healthier to focus on small, manageable tasks on the first day back in the office rather than taking on large and complex projects. Speaking to BBC Business, career coach Sarah Robinson said this approach can help workers regain momentum by easing the pressure created by a crowded inbox.

Consultant Susan Carr also recommended that employees lower their expectations slightly for the first day, although that is not possible in every sector. Rather than filling the entire day with back-to-back meetings, reviewing emails, setting priorities and re-establishing workflow is seen as a more realistic approach.

  • Start the first day with small, quickly completed tasks
  • Cut down on meetings and make time for email and planning

What methods stand out for easing the workload?

Tara Humphrey, a primary care leadership consultant, said keeping an out-of-office automatic reply on during the first day back can give employees more space. According to Humphrey, a clearly written message can reduce stress by prompting people to get back in touch about any important issues that may have been missed during the leave period.

Another approach mentioned in the report is deleting emails that arrived while on leave altogether. However, experts stressed that to understand whether the reluctance felt after a holiday is just a few days of adjustment or something deeper, it is important to look at the duration and intensity of the feeling.

Can holiday habits be carried into working life?

Psychotherapist Dr Joy Conlon said carrying just one good holiday habit into daily life can make returning to work easier. An evening walk, eating without looking at a screen, reading before bed or spending more time outdoors were among the suggestions.

Dr Mark Williamson, chief executive of Action for Happiness, said not only the days off themselves but also the anticipation before a holiday plays a role in how restorative it feels. According to Williamson, active holidays that include walking, cycling, swimming and exploring can deliver a greater sense of renewal; in addition, five-day shorter but more frequent breaks can provide a recovery effect close to that of 10-day longer breaks, while spreading rest more evenly through the year.

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