From Vacation Bliss to Workplace Stress: How to Smooth the Transition Back to Work

Most of us know that bittersweet feeling at the end of a vacation. 🌍✈️ We return home refreshed and grateful for the break, yet at the same time, a creeping sense of dread may surface—the thought of overflowing inboxes, unfulfilling tasks, or stepping back into an unsupportive workplace. For many, especially expatriates, vacations don’t always offer full restoration either. Family obligations abroad, emotional strain from leaving loved ones, and the challenge of shifting back into a different cultural or work environment often prevent true recovery.

Even when the holiday is ideal—providing rest, joy, and disconnection from work—research shows the positive effects on motivation, energy, and performance are fleeting, often fading within just a few weeks. This makes the return to routine a critical moment for well-being.

Occupational psychologists emphasize that readjustment is not only about catching up with tasks. It involves reestablishing work schedules, managing the loss of leisure and social time, and adapting to the demands of the workplace again. Without a thoughtful transition, employees face higher risks of cognitive overload, emotional distress, and energy depletion—factors that undermine both productivity and well-being.

The Role of Employers in Supporting a Healthy Return

Experts strongly recommend that organizations take an active role in easing this post-holiday transition. Managers can support employ

ees by:

• Reducing initial workload: Avoid scheduling intensive meetings or assigning high-pressure projects in the first week back.

• Gradual re-entry strategies: Encourage employees to start with less demanding tasks before scaling up.

• Maintaining boundaries: Ensure that working hours are respected, so employees can detach, recover, and maintain personal time.

Perceived organizational support and clear boundaries between work and personal life are proven protective factors against burnout. When employees feel reassured and supported, anxiety decreases while motivation and engagement rise.

What Employees Can Do to Protect Their Well-Being

While organizational strategies are crucial, employees themselves can take steps to ensure a smoother return to work:

• Plan buffer days: Return from vacation two or three days before resuming work.

• Reset your sleep schedule: Align bedtime and wake-up times with your work routine in advance.

• Ease into tasks: Tackle lighter responsibilities during the first few days back.

• Protect your time: Keep a structured schedule with clear boundaries.

• Choose active activities: Exercise, gardening, or any hobby—these energize and recharge far more effectively than passive leisure such as the phone and television .

• Maintain positivity: Reflect on the good moments from your holiday and let them elevate your outlook.

• Look ahead: Start planning your next break—having something to anticipate can boost motivation.

  
  

The Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the way we transition back to work after time off has a lasting impact on mental health, energy, and long-term productivity. A smoother, more intentional re-entry—supported by both organizations and individuals—protects well-being and helps sustain motivation.

And you? How do you approach the first week back at work? Do you dive in headfirst, or do you give yourself space to ease into the rhythm again?

Sources:

• Bretones, F. D. (2017). Facing the post-holiday blues. Safety Management.

• de Bloom, J., Geurts, S. A., Taris, T. W., Sonnentag, S., de Weerth, C., & Kompier, M. A. (2017). Effects of vacation from work on health and well-being: Lots of fun, quickly gone. In Longitudinal research in occupational health psychology (pp. 75-95). Routledge.

• De Bloom, J., Syrek, C. J., Kühnel, J., & Vahle-Hinz, T. (2022). Unlimited paid time off policies: Unlocking the best and unleashing the beast. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 812187.

• Nawijn, J., Marchand, M. A., Veenhoven, R., & Vingerhoets, A. J. (2010). Vacationers happier, but most not happier after a holiday. Applied research in quality of life, 5(1), 35-47.

• Sonnentag, S., Cheng, B. H., & Parker, S. L. (2022). Recovery from work: Advancing the field toward the future. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 9(1), 33-60.

• Sousa, C., & Goncalves, G. (2021). Back to work bang! Difficulties, emotions and adjustment strategies when returning to work after a vacation. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 32(10), 2242-2263.