Juan Carlos Higueras on Managing Post‑Vacation Work Transition

Returning to work after a holiday can trigger fatigue, irritability, reduced concentration and a sense of lower productivity, a set of reactions often labeled “post‑vacation syndrome.” Juan Carlos Higueras, vice‑dean of EAE Business School, explains that these feelings stem from the adjustment required when flexible schedules, rest and leisure give way to regular professional routines. While the symptoms are normal and usually short‑lived, unusually intense or prolonged signs may reveal underlying stress, overload or job dissatisfaction.

Higueras advises a gradual reintegration: review pending matters, separate urgent from important tasks, set realistic goals for the first days, and reserve meeting‑free periods to avoid overload. He recommends not filling the agenda before the true workload is known, limiting interruptions, and, if possible, returning home one or two days early to reset sleep and domestic routines. Maintaining physical activity, balanced nutrition and brief moments of disconnect can also ease the transition back to full productivity.