Whether you took a real vacation or just a mental one this summer, you may find it difficult to return to the more fast-paced business activities of fall. Here’s expert advice on how to swing back into work mode after a summer lull — and start the fall on the right foot:
1. Create an MIT Task List
When returning to work after a break, you may feel bombarded with new tasks to handle. In this case, it might be helpful to use the Most Important Task (MIT) method. This method can help you determine the task you should immediately work on to create the biggest impact on your work.
Tasks are listed on an MIT task list and kept separate from a general to-do list. With the MIT method, you dedicate time where you’re completely focused on one single MIT task at a time as a way to be as efficient as possible.
2. Be Smart About Email
When you return from vacation, consider keeping your “out of office” email notifications on for a short time.
Sure, your employees will know you’re around, but at least you can fend off a barrage of inquiries from outside while you get back up to speed. Even if you haven’t been on vacation, using an “out of office” message might prove useful while trying to re-energize.
Don’t let a full inbox stop you from more important tasks. You can scan your emails and respond to only the most urgent ones. Consider moving the rest of your emails into an archive or “later” folder. Deal with them after you’ve gotten your bearings.
If someone really needs something from you, they’ll reach out to you again — especially after receiving an “out of office” message.
3. Prioritize Your Time
One of the best parts of being on vacation is not having a schedule — but that can make it hard to return to work.
Many time management gurus recommend writing to-do lists every day that include only the most important three or four things you need to achieve that day. Don’t put more than that, or you might feel overwhelmed and unmotivated.
Using tools like calendars, planners, and dry-erase boards can help you get an overview of your work and prioritize your time on various tasks.
4. Reconnect With Your Best Customers
You may have lost touch with key customers over the summer, but early fall can be a great time to reconnect. Consider choosing at least one person to contact daily and call or send an email to say hello and touch base — maybe even set up a lunch meeting.
After a vacation, getting into work mode can be difficult, but it’s all about mindset. The more you feel energized about the months ahead, the less it will feel like “work.”
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