40% Of Professionals Struggle To Reignite After Holidays

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As summer draws to a close, a new global poll from Insights reveals a concerning trend in workplace sentiment: 40% of professionals report a “slow start” when returning from holiday, and 25% are even reconsidering their career direction.

Experts call this trend the post-vacation turnover effect - a period when returning employees may be most at risk of disengagement or departure.

David Bowes, Head of People at Insights said:

“For many, the return from summer holidays marks a psychological reset - as proven by these results. Time off is often a catalyst for reflection and for some, that reflection prompts major career re-evaluation."

“For leaders and HR teams, the message is clear: the return-from-holiday window is a prime opportunity to re-engage staff and strengthen retention. By not doing so, they may risk losing some of their best people."

“Post-summer is a strategic moment to reset energy, rebuild connection, and renew purpose. Leaders who approach it with empathy, planning, and a people-first mindset can transform a potential slump into a launchpad for high performance.”

The new findings build on existing research showing that workplace anxiety after time off is widespread. Studies suggest up to 75% of employees feel apprehensive about returning after the summer break - a phenomenon sometimes compared to “Sunday Scaries” that stretch far beyond weekends.

How to create renewed momentum

To explore solutions, Insights spoke with L&D professionals, HR leaders, and executive coaches worldwide about how human-centred leadership can turn post-holiday risk into renewed momentum.

Rachel Galloway, HR Business Partner and Insights Practitioner at Eaton Manufacturing:

“Set yourself – and your team – up for success by planning ahead before taking time off. Clear critical priorities and ensure no urgent deliverables are due during your absence. Since emails can be time-consuming, review and flag important messages with task reminders and deadlines before you leave."

“Communicate your availability to your team and designate a clear point of contact to maintain continuity. Finally, block the first few hours of your first day back to catch up on communications and meeting invites. This simple preparation supports a calm, focused return and helps you mentally switch off, knowing everything is in place.”

Al Goel, Global Learning Leader, Insights Practitioner and former Sanofi and Deloitte Executive:

“When people return, I prioritise brief, informal check-ins. These aren’t status updates, they’re human moments. I ask, ‘How was your time away?’ and genuinely listen."

“This small act builds psychological safety and trust, especially important post-vacation. I’ll also ask how I can support them with immediate priorities to ease the transition and help them regain momentum. It sets a tone of care before diving into tasks.”

Andy Dowling, Chief Executive of The Colour Works:

“Too often, holiday planning is treated like an afterthought. But when people leave work anxious, they’re not recharging - they’re bracing. One motto we live by is: ‘We want the best of you, not what’s left of you.’

“Treat holidays as part of delivery planning. Make it a shared, upfront agreement, and ensure cover is in place. When they return, make time for a proper check-in:

‘We missed you, welcome back!’

‘Here’s what you missed, and how can we support you to get back in flow?’

A smooth return is much easier when you’ve built the runway before take-off.”

Gerben Willemse, L&D Consultant and Owner of Light Up!, based in the Netherlands:

“Invite your team to share one or two insights from their holiday - either in a virtual space like Teams or physically, on a flipchart in the office. Start by sharing your own reflections: What did your time away teach you as a leader? What might you do differently this month?

“Yes, you’ll get humorous answers like ‘drink more wine at work’ or ‘bring back siestas’ but beneath that humour you’re actually building connections, creativity, and long-term engagement.”

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lindaandrews071
Jun 3
2 min read

Staffordshire tennis clubs are to benefit from life-saving training after digger giant JCB served up a £500 donation to support an ongoing first aid programme.

Staffordshire Tennis, which supports 48 tennis clubs across the county, is creating a series of first aid cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) hubs which will help train coaches and players in life-saving skills. The hubs will be supported by First Responder Chris Godwin who will arrange regular sessions for clubs, coaches and the wider community to provide vital skills needed to deliver early intervention and CPR treatment.

Martyn Rock Tennis Development Coordinator at Staffordshire Tennis, said:

“Unfortunately, cardiac incidents can happen anywhere and knowing what to do in those first few seconds is vital - it can literally save a life. As coaches we are all trained in CPR as part of the coaching course."

"However, we realised that it would be beneficial to refresh this knowledge regularly and help raise awareness of the benefits of learning life-saving skills like CPR. We couldn’t be more grateful to JCB for its support in making sure we now have all the equipment needed to provide regular training sessions to support our players and wider tennis community.”

JCB’s donation has gone towards the £2,000 needed to provide training equipment including two CPR mannequins which will help participants to understand what it feels like to deliver CPR, what they need to do and how to make those first few seconds in an emergency count.

Staffordshire Tennis works with the Lawn Tennis Association, the national governing body for tennis, to grow the sport across the county and create opportunities at all levels and ages to play racquet sports. More information on CPR training opportunities and the work Staffordshire Tennis is doing is available here.

Photo Caption:

Members of Stone Tennis Club take part in the first CPR training session for Staffordshire Tennis.

Pictured left-to-right are Roy Williams Partnership Co-ordinator at Staffordshire Tennis, First Responder Chris Godwin, Graham Cole Chairman of Staffordshire Tennis, Paul Baldwin Chairman of Stone Tennis Club and Clive Paddison Treasurer at Staffordshire Tennis.

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40% Of Professionals Struggle To Reignite After Holidays

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