Spotting Post-Holiday Struggles
When your team returns from their summer break, how can we spot if they're struggling with the return to routine...
☀️ Sunday Night Dread is real - but for many, they're lasting all week long.
As teams return from holidays, you might notice:
Someone who's usually chatty becoming withdrawn
Increased irritability over small issues
Difficulty concentrating on tasks that were previously routine
Comments like "I need another holiday already!"
Here's the thing!
The transition back to work after a break isn't just about catching up on emails.
It's a genuine psychological adjustment that affects everyone differently.
4 things you can do as a leader:
✅ Acknowledge the transition openly: "I know coming back can feel overwhelming"
✅ Build in buffer time for the first week - avoid heavy deadlines
✅ Check in individually: "How are you finding the return to routine?"
✅ Share your own experience: "I always find the first Monday tough too"
The goal isn't to eliminate the adjustment period - it's to normalise it and provide support through it.
Question for you: What's one thing that helps you transition back to work after time off?
