If you’ve planned your vacation with precision and are counting down the days till your time off, the last thing you want to think about is your first day back at work.
For many of us, the prospect of returning to piles of work, a bursting inbox and multiple deadlines is enough to make us want to start planning our next getaway immediately. But, if you can think beyond your vacation, prepping for your first day back before you even depart is a smart move. If you plan ahead in ahead, coming back to work doesn’t have to be as bad as you may be fearing. Here are some steps you can take before you even pack your suitcase.
Front load your deadlines
Establish what will be needed from you in your first week back, so you can get as much as possible taken care of before you leave. Front loading your deadlines should give you a little bit of breathing room on your first day. Thinking ahead to your first week back will be sure to score you bonus points with your boss too. Most people are busy trying to hand off work that’s due while they are gone. You’ll look super-efficient if you take care of what’s needed while you’re gone and prepare what’s needed when you return.
Do a top to bottom clean up
Before you depart do a thorough clean up. Take of your files, organize your desk, declutter your inbox, delete old voicemails, clear up your calendar. Doing all of these things will help make space for what will come in while you’re away.
Prep for your first day
Before you even depart, do the laundry you will need for your first day back at work. Having a first week of work attire washed, ironed and ready to go will save you a job when you get back. Plus, wearing something that makes you feel good versus having to make do with something suspect from the back of the closet will make you feel much better.
Schedule time to unpack and rest
If you’re traveling far it’s common to plan to return just before you’re due back at work to maximize your time. If you can, make sure to factor in time to get home, unpack, take care of what’s needed at home before you jump right back to work. Getting plenty of sleep is essential after travelling and especially important when you are getting ready to return to work.
Plan something fun
Before you head out on vacation, put something to look forward to on your calendar for your first week back. Maybe it’s lunch with a friend to tell her about your trip or scheduling an activity that energizes you.
Head in early
Plan to head into work a little earlier than you normally would on your first day back. This will give you a head start on catching up on what’s needed but also demonstrate to your team that you’re excited to be back and ready to jump back in.
Post by Octavia Goredema @OctaviaGoredema
