14. Back to the Office - The post summer slump

Trial & Error & Error Podcast

That post-vacation slump? We’ve all been there — the overflowing inbox, the endless catch-ups, and that creeping thought: Was my holiday even worth it?

In this episode, we unpack what science says about the effects of vacation and why that relaxed glow fades so fast. From stress recovery and sleep quality to the emotional chaos of your first week back, we explore how to make the return to work smoother—for your productivity and your peace of mind.

We’ll talk about:

• Why vacation benefits disappear so quickly
• The psychology of re-entry and workplace overwhelm
• How different types of workers recover (or don’t)
• Practical tips for easing back and keeping that “vacation feeling” alive
• What workplaces can do to make coming back less painful

So grab your coffee, open that inbox (slowly), and join us as we figure out how to make Back to the Office a little less brutal — and maybe even restorative.

Takeaways:

• Vacations do boost your mood and energy — just not for long.
• Quality rest > length of vacation. Sleep is your real superpower.
• The “fade-out effect” is real — recovery fades fast once work starts.
• Feeling stressed or unmotivated after vacation? Totally normal.
• Ease in: prioritize, pace yourself, and reconnect with your team.
• Workaholics struggle most — they need mini-breaks built in year-round.
• Keep the vacation vibe alive: walks, hobbies, good sleep.
• Workplaces can help — lighter first weeks, smarter email rules.
• Try shorter, more frequent breaks instead of one big getaway.
• Real recovery isn’t a break — it’s a lifestyle.

Resources:

de Bloom, J., Geurts, S.A.E. & Kompier, M.A.J. Vacation (after-) effects on employee health and well-being, and the role of vacation activities, experiences and sleep. J Happiness Stud 14, 613–633 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-012-9345-3; Sousa, C., & Gonçalves, G. (2019). 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. https://doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2019.1602784; de Bloom J., Radstaak M., and Geurts S. (2014), Vacation Effects on Behaviour, Cognition and Emotions of Compulsive and Non-compulsive Workers: Do Obsessive Workers Go ‘Cold Turkey’?, Stress Health, 30, 232–243, doi: 10.1002/smi.2600; We Continue to Recover Through Vacation! Franziska Speth, Johannes Wendsche, and Jürgen Wegge, European Psychologist 2023 28:4, 274-287, https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/abs/10.1027/1016-9040/a000518?journalCode=epp; https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2023/09/07/how-to-manage-being-back-to-work-after-summers-over/.