Returning to work after a long period of absence can be a daunting prospect and can be reassuring… Here are some tips and methods to follow to facilitate your return to work after a long career break.
Look at its counterparts
First, know that you are not alone. In fact, employees on break are not the only ones who have to return to work after an absence.
There are also those who have:
- fired;
- took maternity/paternity leave
- suffered from a physical or mental illness
- took a gap year
- took extended leave due to burnout
- …
Whatever the reason for your career hiatus, it’s normal to feel anxious about getting back to work. Do not hesitate to contact these people who have already experienced the same situation as you, they will be able to provide you with tips and advice.
Consider a gradual return
Instead of immediately returning to full-time work, you can ask your employer if they’d be willing to consider a gradual return to work. For example, you could use your annual leave to reduce your work schedule.
If you can’t negotiate a gradual return, make your first return day a Wednesday or Thursday. You will have time to adjust and become more comfortable, knowing that a weekend of respite is not far off.
>> Read also: Back to work
Stay in touch with colleagues and executives
A career break can lead to a loss of social contact with colleagues and managers, which will only exacerbate the anxiety you feel about your return.
Checking into your employer from time to time and making an effort to stay in touch with your co-workers will ease the transition to work. Your colleagues, for their part, will be able to keep you informed of various company news and current and/or future changes.
Try a new routine
This advice will be very useful for new parents returning to work after maternity or paternity leave. If you thought getting up and going to work was a chore before, now you will with a newcomer and all the extra chores that entails.
It’s worth practicing your morning routine before you get home so you have an idea of what needs to be done and how long it will take. It can take several weeks to perfect a new routine, so it’s a good idea to start early.
Ask for help if needed
It’s very easy for your employer to assume all is well if you don’t ask for help. You may need someone to teach you how to use new software, or you may want the workplace to be suitable so that you can work comfortably and perform at your best.
Few of us like to ask for help, but it makes sense to remove obstacles early on that may be getting in the way of your success.
With all these tips, you can safely get back to work.
Warning: If you think that your current job no longer matches your values and that it was probably the reason you took a career break (or if you had time to reflect on your professional situation), maybe it’s time to turn to new opportunities.
>> Read also: Hybrid Return to Work: Are Employees and Employers Ready?
>> Consult all our job offers
