18.06.2025

Post-holiday dread hits 78% of UK workers – experts share how to take control

With searches for ‘work after holidays’ up 100% on TikTok, it's clear many of us struggle with the transition back to work. To help ease the post-holiday blues, office experts have shared their top tips for handling your first day back so you can return feeling in control, not overwhelmed.

Coming back from annual leave can often bring a wave of anxiety, with unread emails and mounting to-dos waiting for you. In fact, new data shows that 78% of UK professionals feel anxious about returning to work after a break. With that in mind, Instant Offices has put together simple, effective strategies to help you ease back in—without undoing all the benefits of your time away.

Taking annual leave is essential, not just for rest and relaxation, but for sustaining long-term performance and wellbeing at work.

Helen Godliman, Head of HR operations at The Instant Group commented: “Annual leave is essential for maintaininglong-term productivity and wellbeing. In flexible workspaces, we see how a well-rested individual, who has the freedom to step away and recharge, returns more focused, creative, and engaged.

“Taking time off isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. In flexible work environments, we understand the value of annual leave in preventing burnout and promoting sustained performance. A balanced approach to work and rest is key to long-term success."

5 Ways to Manage Your Workload Post Annual Leave:

1. Keep your out-of-office on

Although you’re back in the office, keeping your Out of Office (OOO) message on for the first couple of hours while you catch up on emails is a smart way to stay on top. This will hopefully prevent your inbox from overflowing until you're more caught up later in the day and can help with new priorities and projects.

2. Prioritise your tasks

After time off, it’s easy to feel swamped with tasks. Start by identifying the most urgent ones and tackle them first. Using a to-do list or project management tool can help you stay organised and focused. Tackle messages and emails you’ve missed whilst you’ve been away.

3. Check over your handover

Before heading off on annual leave, you likely prepared a handover for your team. Ask them to update it with any tasks that have been actioned or will need your attention upon your return. On your first day back, you can review the handover, check in with your team, and prioritise anything that requires immediate action.

4. Set realistic expectations

Don’t expect to get everything done on your first day back. Be honest with yourself and your colleagues about what can realistically be achieved. Setting sensible expectations helps prevent burnout and ensures you don’t overload yourself.

5. Take breaks

It might be tempting to work through everything to catch up but remember that taking regular breaks is essential for staying focused and productive. Short breaks throughout the day will help you stay refreshed and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Don’t let the refresh from your holiday slip away - take steps to maintain that sense of balance.

By following these tips, you can avoid the post-holiday overwhelm and return to work with a sense of balance and control. There’s no need to dive straight into the chaos - ease yourself in and take charge of your first day back.

For more work life tips, visit Instant Offices: https://www.instantoffices.com/en/gb

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