How to Get Back in the Grove After Time Off

Many people are returning to the office this week after vacation over the holidays.  Perhaps you did not take a lot of time off, but enjoyed calm and quiet work days.  Looking down a new year and getting back into the routine can seem daunting.  Here are some simple strategies to help you start the New Year off right after changing your pace:

Have a Plan

Thinking through your return to work and having a plan is an essential component that will allow you to start off with success.  Update your task lists and priorities.  Think about your objectives for the New Year.  Do not just focus on high-level aspirations: “The What”, but consider what steps you need to take in your day-to-day life to get there: “The How”.   Those who have already penciled in top objectives before returning to work have a better chance of realizing these objectives earlier and getting back to business as usual.

Get Engaged in New Projects

The problem for some workers who return to work after a the holidays is getting the momentum going.  It is natural to feel a little blue after their time off has come to an end.   Tackling new projects right out of the gate is sometimes a good way to get quickly immersed in the workplace.

Catch Up on Communications

One of the biggest tasks in many cases is going through the incoming messages that have accumulated while taking a break.  Approaching this in the right way can save you time and stress.  Some professionals like to thin out their email.  This involves going through emails with an eye for priority.  Get key information before going from 0 to 60 with a new work day or week.  Reviewing your inbox from most to least recent helps as you get apprised of issues that may have already resolved themselves.  Just remember, other people are often sifting through their inboxes too!  You can extend each other some mutual understanding of this challenge.

 Take Time to Enjoy the Catching Up with People

Touching base with friends at work, getting updated on new events in co-workers’ lives, or reconnecting with favorite clients or customers is beneficial.  T aking advantage of the human factor can help individuals enjoy their return to work and become more productive in their ongoing job roles.

 Limit Access on the First Day Back

Returning to work can be overwhelming.  Making your return to work incremental can help. Some like to keep the first day reserved for catching up on past events. Limit your meeting schedule, incoming phone calls and tackling everything new you want to do in 2014 on the first day back.  Look to get caught up on and adjusted before taking on the world of the new year.