In last week’s article, we spoke about returning to school and the importance of preparation for students, teachers, and parents. Yet this equation cannot be complete unless employees themselves are also ready to return to work. As the saying goes, “One cannot give what one does not have.” If parents are not balanced and stable in their professional lives, they will not be able to properly support their children. Therefore, achieving a balance between work and family life is the first step toward a successful academic year.
After the holiday—whether an employee has traveled or not—they need mental and emotional readiness to return to work. This return means bidding farewell to the pleasant moments spent with family and friends, feeling gratitude for those times, and then gradually shifting into the rhythm of work with flexibility and confidence.
Practical steps for returning to work:
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Set a clear work plan: Defining short- and long-term goals helps organize tasks and build a vision for the new year.
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Organize the schedule: Aligning work preparation times with children’s needs, especially in the first days of school, reduces stress and pressure.
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Self-development: Use this fresh start to set a plan for skill development, whether through training or self-learning. Professional renewal gives a motivational boost.
Even small details make a difference—preparing work clothes in advance, buying a new planner with a special pen, all these simple gestures bring a sense of freshness and create motivation for a different beginning.
The manager’s role in this stage
The manager is the cornerstone, carrying the greatest responsibility. Employees look forward to an encouraging work environment and inspiring leadership—not sudden pressure that drains their energy and makes them forget the moments of joy they had during their break. A manager should warmly welcome the team and take small initiatives, such as symbolic giveaways or appreciation notes. They should also set a realistic, flexible work plan that starts gradually and builds up, instead of expecting major results in the very first month.
Final thought
Returning to both education and work is an important milestone for every individual in life’s cycle, helping restore balance. Leadership—before management—is the key to setting off from this milestone with a positive spirit, ensuring benefit for both the family and the community.
