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Back to work blues? How to regain momentum after time off
6 min read | Josie Davies | Article | Workplace | General
Feet up, out-of-office on, and work off your mind: annual leave gives you that much-needed time away to relax and recharge. But once you're back to work, your fully charged battery can start draining faster than you can skim the mountain of emails waiting in your inbox.
Whether you're returning as an individual contributor or stepping back into a leadership role with direct reports and strategic responsibilities, the shift back into work mode can feel surprisingly fast and demanding. Here are some ways you can make your return to work a smoother experience:
Coming back from annual leave can sometimes feel like a drag, but small changes can help ease the transition. So, instead of fixating on what makes your days feel long, look for ways to add variety. A positive mindset is important regardless of your level of seniority, but if you manage a team or department, you’ll also need to bear in mind how your mood sets the tone for others.
If you’re heading into the office, you may find your commute to be more bearable if you listen to a podcast or an audiobook. Or, if you're working remotely, consider refreshing your setup with natural light, a plant, or even a holiday photo to lift your mood. And don’t underestimate the power of a short lunchtime walk or an exercise class to reset your energy.
Jumping straight into meetings can be overwhelming, especially when you're still catching up on context. To avoid this, block out your first morning to go through emails, review your calendar, and reacquaint yourself with your workload. An organised re-entry can make the whole week feel more manageable. If you're a key decision maker within your business, it’s even more likely that your first day back will be filled with meetings –but having buffer time is critical before diving into high-impact conversations or approvals.
One meeting worth prioritising is a quick catch-up with someone who has been in the loop while you were away. Ideally, this person was listed on your out-of-office email and can give you a clear overview of any updates. A 15-minute chat can save confusion and help you hit the ground running. In this meeting, be sure to ask for a summary of key developments, any decisions made in your absence, and what’s coming up that needs your attention.
If you have direct reports, it’s probably best to avoid several one-to-one meetings with them on your first day back, as it may leave you drowning in detail. Instead, let your team know you’ll schedule times to catch up over the coming days, and that you will be on hand for anything urgent in the meantime.
Experiencing back-to-work blues after time off is common – after all, it can just be the sign of a great holiday. However, if the slump feels deeper than just a slow start, take a moment to reflect on why you’re feeling this way. Perhaps your workload was inadequately covered while you’re away, causing you to return to an unmanageable to-do list? Maybe colleagues are filling your diary with an unnecessary number of meetings, leaving you with little time to complete your tasks during your contracted hours and having to work overtime to compensate? Whatever the cause of your return-to-work challenges, a candid conversation with your manager may help. It could open the door to better support and improved processes for the next time you take annual leave.
For senior professionals, this might also mean rethinking delegation structures or team autonomy. If your absence reveals cracks in coverage or decision-making, it could be a good idea to revisit how responsibilities are distributed.
If you’ve repeatedly raised the same concerns with your manager but to no avail, or you’re consistently feeling stressed and longing to be anywhere but work, it might be time to consider a change. Whether it’s a fresh environment, a different team or a role that reignites your passion, a new job could be the reset you need.
Even leaders aren’t immune to disengagement. If you’re no longer feeling inspired or challenged in your current role, it’s worth seeking out opportunities where your experience can truly thrive.
Looking to explore job opportunities? Browse our live vacancies – you may just find a role that doesn’t give you the back-to-work blues.
Josie Davies - Senior Career Transition Consultant at Hays
Josie joined Hays Career Transition Services in March 2020. She is an experienced career consultant/coach with over 10 years of experience supporting people from a wide variety of sectors ranging from charities, government to commercial and banking. She has consistently received recognition for her solution-focused and supportive approach in assisting individuals to successfully manage career transitions. Josie trained in coaching from ICF accredited training provider, Coaching Development Ltd and is a member of the Association for Coaching.
