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If you enjoyed a well-earned extended break over the Christmas-New Year period but now feel overcome by the “return-to-work blues”, you are not alone.
“Many employees experience an emotional hangover when returning to work after a break, like waking up from a dream that ended too soon,” says Professor Herman Tse, a leadership expert at Monash Business School who notes that getting back into the swing at work can take some effort.
“It’s important to acknowledge that readjustment is normal and does not necessarily signal work disengagement, job dissatisfaction, or a lack of performance,” says Tse.
“One of the most effective ways to manage ‘return-to-work blues’ is by emphasising well-being initiatives.
“Even small measures such as flexible scheduling, regular wellness breaks, and focused professional development can help reignite employees’ sense of purpose.”
However, Tse notes that it is crucial for employers to recognise that one size doesn't fit all when it comes to employees readjusting.
“Successful organisations in 2025 should be those that can co-create flexible work arrangements with their employees, balancing the benefits of in-person collaboration with the autonomy and work-life integration that many have come to value,” he says.
Dr Zen Goh, a lecturer at the Monash Business School’s Department of Management, points out the undeniable benefits of a longer holiday which provides “more substantial recovery benefits than routine evenings and weekends”.
“Extended vacations provide a prolonged period of rest, typically in a different and more relaxing environment,” says Goh.
“This change of setting helps workers psychologically detach from work responsibilities and break free from daily routines,” she says, describing this as the passive mechanism of recovery experienced during extended breaks.
“An active recovery mechanism involves intentional engagement in rejuvenating activities. Vacations provide unique opportunities to invest time in personally meaningful non-work activities, such as pursuing hobbies and spending quality time with family.
“Despite these benefits, vacation effects typically diminish rapidly upon returning to work. We call it the fade-out effect. Positive vacation effects can fade within just two weeks of returning to work.”
Goh has offered up several useful strategies to manage the “fade-out effect” and to promote thriving during the transition back to work.
Share your stories
Nurture your well-being by sharing vacation experiences with others. This practice of “interpersonal capitalisation” helps you relive positive moments while strengthening social bonds through shared celebrations and stories.
Keep the good stuff
Incorporating vacation-like elements into daily routines helps maintain benefits and supports ongoing thriving. This includes taking regular breaks, practicing mindfulness, maintaining psychological detachment from work, prioritising quality sleep, engaging in resource-building activities such as hobbies that bring you joy.
Set yourself up for success
Clearing your task lists before vacation and maintaining boundaries after return maximises wellbeing benefits. The key is to leave with a clear desk and return with protected space for continued recovery.
Look forward to your holidays with joy
Positive anticipation not only heightens good feelings but also diminishes negative ones, giving you a wellbeing boost even before your break starts.
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