Returning to work after the Lunar New Year (Tet) break can leave many people feeling apprehensive and hesitant, so experts at Australia’s Monash Business School offer valuable insights into why this occurs and how employees can navigate this transition effectively.

Professor Herman Tse from the school explained that post-holiday blues stem from an 'emotional hangover' -- a feeling of waking up from a dream that ended too soon. 

This temporary dip in mood is normal and does not necessarily indicate disengagement or dissatisfaction with work.

“One of the most effective ways to manage the return-to-work blues is by prioritizing well-being,” the school said in a recent press release, citing Professor Tse.

“Simple measures like flexible scheduling, wellness breaks, and professional development opportunities can reignite a sense of purpose and motivation.”

He also highlighted the importance of workplace adaptability.

“A one-size-fits-all approach no longer works. Organizations that co-create flexible work arrangements with their employees – balancing in-person collaboration with work-life integration – will thrive in 2025 and beyond,” he noted.

Dr. Zen Goh, also from Monash Business School, emphasized that vacations, particularly extended ones like Tet, provide essential recovery time. 

According to Dr. Goh, this recovery happens through two key mechanisms, including passive recovery, in which time away from work helps employees detach from daily pressures, offering mental and emotional relief, and active recovery, which means people engage in personally meaningful activities, such as spending time with family or pursuing hobbies.

Despite these benefits, Dr. Goh warned about the ‘fade-out effect,’ where vacation benefits diminish within two weeks of returning to work. 

To counter this, he suggested the following strategies, including sharing stories about Tet experiences with colleagues, keeping the ‘good stuff’ from the holiday like taking mindful breaks, engaging in hobbies, and maintaining quality sleep, being set up for success, and looking forward to future breaks.

Returning to work after Tet does not have to be overwhelming. By acknowledging post-holiday blues as a natural adjustment period and implementing well-being strategies, employees can ease back into their routines with renewed energy and motivation. 

Organizations that support flexible and balanced work environments will not only help their teams transition smoothly but also foster long-term engagement and productivity.

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