On the Job: I'm Back

Today's On the Job is a companion piece to last week's entry about planning ahead.

So you were away from the office for a few days, and today is your first day back. I hope you're refreshed and have coffee (or another beverage of your choice), because it is likely that some amount of work has accumulated in your absence. Here are a few tips to get your through that first day (or two) after an absence.
  • Breath!: Don't stress yourself out. Take a deep breath, and take some time to get yourself readjusted to being back in the office. 
  • Prioritize: Take a look a what has accumulated in your absence and decide what needs to be handled first. If it helps to write out a list, do so. Don't skip this step. It will be easier to handle the first day back if you create order from the "Aaaahhhhhh! My desk is buried!" chaos.
  • Catch-up meeting(s): Have a formal or informal catch-up with your coworkers and staff. Find out what happened while you were away.
  • Get down to business: Once you know what has to be done, get to it. Don't rush to get everything done at once. Stick to your list
  • Take a break: While it is your first day back, you will need to eat. Take a lunch break and/or coffee break. If you pace yourself, you'll be fully fueled and more productive.
  • Announce your return: I believe that this step should wait until the afternoon of your first day back. Most people will be aware that you are back, and you'll probably have a few visits in the morning. Try to keep most people at bay until the afternoon - by then you will know how much/what kind of work you're looking at.
  • End the reminders: Now that you're fully back, remove your out of office reminders on your e-mail and voicemail.
  • Leave: It may be impossible to leave on time, but try not to work too late. The work will be there on day two. Save what you can for the next few days, and go home.
Welcome back to the office!

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