Vacation blues: a serious phenomenon or something to hide behind?

The first working weeks after summer are over. How did your employees start after the summer; fully rested and bursting with energy, or not? As easily as people get into the vacation vibe, it is often difficult to switch back into the work rhythm. Is there such a thing as vacation blues?

A vacation blues comes with the territory

Where employers expect employees to return from vacation rested, sometimes the opposite is the case. It is also called a vacation dip; is this something employers should seriously consider? Ymke Dorrepaal, psychologist at PSION, thinks not: "Let's not make it too hard on ourselves. It's not that the 'after' vacation dip that employees feel doesn't exist; it's perfectly logical that employees have to get used to it. It also takes some getting used to after a period off. The alarm clock rings early again, there are all kinds of appointments and they have to get back into their regular rhythm. Although as an employer it is important to take these feelings seriously, it should not become a label to put on our feelings. This, in turn, can cause it to become something to hide behind. Above all, let's not worry about it too much!"

Space for feelings

As an employer, how do you handle this without blowing things up? People want to hold on to the vacation feeling, yet they have to go back to work. This can bring gloom and even headaches. By acknowledging that these kinds of feelings are normal and part of the experience, you often take a lot of the worry away. If all goes well, by giving it time and space, these feelings will naturally turn to fresh energy.

Startup

This is where things often go wrong. Many employers immediately expect full productivity from employees after returning from vacation. Or employees think this is expected of them. This probably makes the vacation dip worse than it is. That's why it's important to give employees room to rebound. By giving employees the confidence to find their feet again, you give them some air. Of course, it is important to do this not only around the vacation season, but throughout the year.

Moment of reflection

For many, the vacations are also a time for reflection. Does this work suit me? Am I still enjoying myself? With these questions still on their minds, people return to the office. A great time to have a conversation with employees. How is someone in his or her energy? Where does someone stand? What are doubts or concerns? By asking these kinds of questions, you show that you are there for the employee and that it is fine to be searching for new motivation. Discuss how you as a manager can help someone find their bearings again. For example, by agreeing what someone will focus on for the next six months. By showing that you are there for employees, you prevent them from feeling lost after they return from vacation.

Motivation and work energy come back naturally

Coming back well from vacation also depends on how a person leaves. If someone leaves relaxed, he or she is more likely to return relaxed. A pleasant work culture in which hard work and adequate rest are balanced contributes to this. A culture in which honesty and trust form the basis and it doesn't matter if someone feels down for a while. That's part of the deal and we don't need to put labels like "vacation blues" on it. If there is room for these feelings in the workplace, then the motivation and energy to work will come back naturally. If someone is really anxious to get back to work, it may be time to discuss whether that person is still in the right place.

Learn more

Would you like to know more about how to look at people, work and health in a different way? Then feel free to contact one of our specialists.