How to kick-start and catch-up fast after the summer holidays

August 29, 2025

How to kick-start and catch-up fast after the summer holidays

Back from summer break and already drowning in emails, meetings, and deadlines? You’re not alone. The good news: you don’t need to do everything to catch up, just the right things.

5 Strategies to Catch Up Fast:

Start with a “Big Picture” Review. Before diving in, step back. What shifted while you were away? Any new priorities, projects, or changes? Spend time scanning updates before acting.

Inbox Power Hour. Don’t read 100+ emails. Skim, delete/archive the noise, and respond only to what’s urgent or requires your direct input. Everything else can wait or be deleted!

Schedule Your Calendar Smartly. Block focus time before accepting back-to-back meetings. You’ll move faster if you put aside hours for real work.

Quick Wins First. Identify 1 to 2 high-impact tasks you can finish in your first week back. Momentum beats perfection when catching up.

Reconnect Strategically. Instead of sending generic “I’m back” notes, reach out to key colleagues/clients with targeted updates and propositions to meet up in person. It positions you as proactive and re-engaged.

Catching up fast is about focus, not frenzy. The goal isn’t to clear everything, it’s to reset momentum in the right direction.

What’s your first move when you’re back from holiday?

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Brid Doherty-Appriou

Brid is a native English speaker, fluent in French, a graduate in both International Business Communication and in Instructional Design. She is also accredited (TEFL) to teach English as a foreign language. Her professional experience spans over 20 years in an international environment, working in CAC 40 communication groups and as a consultant in Executive Search.

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