Who does not know that: You have just come back from vacation and at the latest in the lunch break on the first day of work you have the feeling that you are actually ready for vacation again. You can’t really concentrate, the desk chair is nowhere near as comfortable as the deck chair, the unread emails in the mailbox just don’t get any less and getting up early in the morning doesn’t make it any better.

The good news first: You are not an isolated incident. Many people feel sad or depressed after their vacation and often have trouble concentrating. This phenomenon even has a name and is called “post-holiday syndrome”.

Often the depressed mood doesn’t last long. After a week at the latest, most of them are fine and work is fun again.

But is there also a possibility to accelerate the “recovery” or not to let it happen in the first place? Here are 4 tips.

1. Emails

Even on normal working days, emails can be distracting and stressful. It is all the worse after the vacation when the number of e-mails has accumulated in the three-digit range.

A solution to this problem can be implemented before the vacation starts by tidying up your mailbox as much as possible on your last day of work. E-mails that are no longer needed can be deleted or moved to the associated project folder. Mails that you still need can be marked with different colors so that you have an overview immediately after your vacation. It can also be helpful to jot down tasks from e-mails on a piece of paper so that only new things are in the mailbox after the vacation.

Probably because of the stress factor that e-mails bring with it, some people check their inbox even when they are on vacation. This makes it easier to get started after the break.

2. Start during the week

A second tactic is not to start the week back at work on a Monday. If you start in the middle of the week you don’t have to wait so long for the weekend and at the beginning of the week you still have time to get back to your usual routine, unpack your suitcase and go shopping.

If there is no other way than starting on a Monday, it is best to prepare for the first day of work before your vacation. When you know that the apartment is tidy and clean, that there is nothing in the refrigerator that can get moldy, and that someone is watering the plants, you can relax better even on vacation. If you also start going to bed earlier a few days in advance, getting up early is not that difficult.

3. Clean up

Some people may not be bothered by clutter, but many feel stressed by chaos. If you then return to work is exhausting, you can probably not switch off properly after work. That is why it is helpful to come home from vacation a few days before the first day back at work. So you have time to unpack, do laundry, sort the accumulated mail and do errands.

4. Plan your next vacation

This point is self-explanatory. You come back from vacation and initially have nothing to look forward to. When you plan your next vacation, you have a new destination in sight and the time to the next break doesn’t seem that long. It doesn’t have to be two weeks in the Caribbean; a weekend trip can make you feel like you’re on holiday.

By the way, it should be more relaxing to go on vacation more often and for a shorter time. Actually logical, because those who are absent from work for a shorter period of time don’t accumulate as much. And the shorter the period to the next vacation, the more manageable it seems.

According to a study by the Dutch psychologist Jessica de Bloom, you are stressed again just as quickly after a vacation of several weeks as after a short vacation – so a lot doesn’t always help a lot.

Successfully passing the probationary period is not only a hurdle for young professionals, which raises many questions. Every time you change jobs or companies, you have to prove anew that you are the right person for the job. Of course, it is important that at the end of the probationary period you can show that you can meet the requirements of the new job. Often, however, it is also decisive how you have integrated yourself into the company and whether you fit in with the corporate culture. But how can you make sure that you meet the requirements in the first few months?

Some things are self-evident – of course, you should try to always be on time and not complain about tasks because you just don’t feel like doing them. The interview is over, but you are still long from the hook. Read on if you want to know how not only do you not leave a bad impression, but also show genuine commitment as a new employee!

Become part of the team

New job – lots of new colleagues. There is a lot to learn, especially in the first few days and weeks. Those who have a good memory for names have a clear advantage here. To become a part of the team, try to remember what the other members of your team are called and who is responsible for what. This also gives you a feeling for your area of ​​responsibility and what is expected of you more quickly. In addition to new colleagues, you also have to get used to the new workplace. You will find out most things for yourself over time, but if something is urgent (e.g. new batteries for the mouse or a non-adjustable desk chair) you don’t have to be shy. You want to be as productive as possible!

Show adaptability

As soon as you know the names and responsibilities, it is time to integrate into the team. That can be a crucial point for the takeover after the probationary period, because in many companies projects are worked out together. You can also socialize with colleagues outside of your team. That shows interest in the company. Learn the rituals and rules of the new company – what is disliked and what behavior is expected of you. Those who make an active effort and are open to change are perceived more positively.

Ask for feedback

Even if you make an effort in the first few weeks and have a good feeling, it is possible that you still have room for improvement in some areas. Do not wait for a conflict to arise. It is best to approach your supervisor yourself and ask for feedback and suggestions for improvement. Everything fits? Excellent! Have you received a little criticism? Great as well! Nobody expects you to be perfect from the start. Try to implement the feedback and write down exactly what you did. In this way you can also show in a follow-up meeting that it is important to you to be good.

Show interest

Especially at the beginning there can often be confusion. You don’t fully understand a task or don’t know what to do next? Ask for! If you ask for help, you have the opportunity to ask questions about understanding and thus to learn even more about relationships and procedures in the company. It is also important to offer help if a team member seems overwhelmed. The willingness to go beyond one’s own area of ​​responsibility is well received and strengthens confidence in your abilities.

Having the goal in mind

What must be done by the end of the probationary period? It is best to clarify this in the first few days. That’s why it’s important to keep asking for feedback so that you know you’re on the right track. Address challenges and hurdles. If you have successfully overcome this, you will score additional points in the takeover interview. The interview at the end of the probationary period can be treated like a final job interview. Write down your achievements over the past few months and prepare. If you can prove how exactly you have implemented each goal and what you have learned in the process, nothing should stand in the way of a takeover!

Finally, your employer would not have hired you if he or she hadn’t convinced you had what it takes. So, under the pressure to perform, don’t forget to enjoy your new work.

Getting back to work after parental leave is not easy for many mothers and fathers. The time at home with the baby went by much faster than expected and now a new phase of life is beginning again: a career with a child. We have put together 6 tips to make it easier for you to return to work after parental leave.

1. Plan your return to work in advance

Even during pregnancy, think about how long you would like to stay at home with your offspring and discuss your plans with the HR department or directly with your boss. For the time being, this gives both sides planning security. Parents often want to get back on track part-time first. If you would like that, you should let us know as early as possible so that you can discuss together which tasks have to be given to someone else. You must submit your application for parental leave in writing. That is enough informally on a piece of paper.

2. Further, training during parental leave?

Have you wanted to improve your qualifications for a long time? Then parental leave might be the right time. You could use the time your baby spends sleeping during the day to educate yourself. This also has the positive side effect that many parents, who otherwise complain about the feeling that they no longer have time for themselves, have a clear goal in mind and are more balanced. At best, the advanced training will help you to get back to work after parental leave.

3. Maintain your contacts during parental leave

Don’t lock yourself into your world. If you stay connected to colleagues and the company, you will continue to know what’s new or hear the latest gossip. This brings you distraction from everyday baby life and your colleagues continue to see you as a team member. Avoid talking exclusively about baby issues and continue to be interested in the everyday work of your colleagues.

4. Acclimatization in kindergarten before returning from parental leave

Start getting your little one used to the KiTa in good time. For some children this can take up to several weeks. So that you and your child do not put yourself and your child under unnecessary pressure, you should find a place in good time so that the acclimatization phase can begin on your desired date. If you know that your child is well looked after in loving hands, you can start the first day of work after the long break with confidence.

5. Prepare and clarify an emergency plan

For the time being, think together with your partner what will happen if your child gets sick. Each of you is legally entitled to 10 days per calendar year that you can stay at home with the sick child – single parents are accordingly entitled to 20 days. However, small children get sick more often – and like to suddenly. Clarify what happens when your sick days with a child are used up. Does your employer give you unpaid leave? Or can you work from home? Let the KiTa know who should be called in an emergency. If grandma and grandpa are around and are already retired, they may be able to look after the little ones in the event of illness.

6. The first working day after parental leave

It’s natural to be excited on the first day. See it pragmatically. You have already done the job and already know your colleagues. At most, they are a little rusty. Ask your colleagues to be patient and to familiarize them with you and explain innovations. Nobody will expect you to start exactly where you left off before your parental leave. Don’t forget that by now you are a master of multitasking. Incidentally, you are not entitled to your job that you held before parental leave. However, you are entitled to an equivalent job – including a management position if you held one – and the same salary.

“Order is half the battle.” You have probably heard this saying often enough. We’ll all take on half-heartedly more often than not and then put it on the back burner because other things come in between or seem more important at the moment. Did you know that there are people who have specialized in cleaning up? We conducted an interview with just such a personality: Rita Schilke is a clean-up coach. The sympathetic Berliner works together with her customers to develop simple but effective ways to implement the good resolution to keep order in the long term.

Viking: How would you describe your job in three sentences?

Rita Schilke: I help people to create order in their home with a system and to keep it in the long term. Essential factors are letting go of things that are no longer needed, creating a system for good order in all living and working areas and practicing new rituals, such as put things back in their place immediately when they are no longer needed. I support my clients with energetic commitment and while we clean up together give many hints and tips and accompany them in the sometimes painful process of letting go.

Viking : How did the idea of ​​becoming a cleaning coach come about?

Rita Schilke: After completing my technical training, I have many years of practical work experience in accounting, logistics, order services, housekeeping and home nursing. An article in a large national daily newspaper gave me the idea to combine and contribute my skills as a clean-up coach in a completely new way. In my daily work I feel how valuable my various previous experiences are. Since then, of course, the experience as a tidying up coach with the many different people I was allowed to support and accompany by the tidying up has also been added, a job that still gives me a lot of pleasure.

Viking : What obstacles did you have to overcome?

Rita Schilke: The creation of a professional presentation on the Internet, the development of a business plan and the creation of marketing materials were essential steps at the beginning of my work in order to become known and build a customer base.

Viking: Who are your customers?

Rita Schilke: As different as people can be, as different are my customers: busy professionals who don’t have enough time to tidy up in their demanding jobs, overburdened fathers and mothers who have to deal with help with tidying up have more time for their families or teenagers and young adults who have never learned to tidy up properly, and finally older or disabled people who have trouble keeping things tidy themselves.

Viking: Are there any hopeless cases?

Rita Schilke: Sure there are people who have a harder time tidying up than others, but I have never had a hopeless case. Of course, some people think that of themselves, but until now I have been able to support each one of my customers in their special situation with their particular tidying up problem and support them on their way of letting go and creating order.

Viking: Please tell us a few tricks that will immediately ensure visible success.

Rita Schilke : 1. Schedule fixed appointments to keep things tidy!

Plan a fixed appointment, e.g. on Thursday at 6 p.m. I go to a drawer or an area of ​​my closet. The appointment with a tidying coach also helps to finally tackle the sometimes annoying topic of tidying up. Once an appointment has been made, the most important step has already been taken. Regularly looking through the wardrobe for drawers, kitchen cupboards etc., e.g. I personally find every two months to be very suitable, in order not to create a collection of outdated clothes.

2. Be realistic!

Set realistic and achievable goals: only tidy up and sort out one cupboard area, one drawer at a time, not all compartments.

3. Treat yourself to a reward!

After you’ve managed to clear up (e.g. a drawer, a cupboard) to give yourself presents for the work done e.g. with the invitation of a friend, a movie night or a nice walk, regular tidying up can become part of a nice ritual.

Viking : What has been your greatest success in your job so far?

Rita Schilke: When I come to a customer, the success is immediately visible after the first appointment. Most of the time I leave the apartment with one or more filled garbage bags after the mission. I was very happy after I was able to introduce a young man to tidying up and tidying up who, due to his personal circumstances, had never learned.

Viking : What is your favorite office item that you can no longer do without?

Rita Schilke: In addition to the calendar on my smartphone, I always keep a paper calendar at the same time so that I can quickly see all appointments. Otherwise, I use my laptop for e-mails with my customers and possibly for researching special features.

Viking : In the past you have read about driving school instructors who were traffic offenders as private persons. What about you? Do you apply your principles or can you ignore clutter at home?

Rita Schilke: Yes, I also apply my principles in my apartment myself. To all of those who ask me about it and who would like to know “How tidy it actually is with the tidying coach” I answer with the following principles, combined with ideas to imitate.

1. Enough space for the shelf

As the first requirement for a tidy home, I have enough space in my apartment to clearly and systematically stow the things that are important to me and that I really need. So this is the first, important prerequisite for creating order in bookshelves and cupboards, in drawers, on desks and also in basement compartments.

2. Tidy up immediately as a good habit

What I can really recommend to everyone and what I consistently adhere to myself: putting the things I have just used back in their place after I no longer need them. Always tidying them up immediately and finding nice places for the things that are important to me is the second secret formula that helps me to always live in a harmoniously tidy apartment.

3. Being able to muck out means being able to decide

Even if there is enough space for everything, it becomes necessary every now and then to systematically clear out cupboards, look through clothes and tidy the rooms more thoroughly. I usually start such a check on myself every three months.

The most important thing is being able to decide, because hesitating too long would lead to my decision being postponed and things to pile up again. I myself am a very decisive person and experience time and again how liberating and beneficial it is to be in my beautiful apartment after such a mucking out in the ever new clarity. And I am happy to make these skills available to my clients.

Viking : How do you switch off after a working day?

Rita Schilke: Working with my clients is often very moving for them and me, and therefore mentally and physically demanding. Relaxation and physical fitness are all the more important to me, be it through yoga or muscle training, swimming, sailing or even playing chess.

Viking : Thank you for the interview.

Networking events – that means small talk, often boring conversations about products and the uncomfortable moment when you want to get out of a discussion but don’t know how. That doesn’t sound very effective and it also sounds like a waste of time. Professional meetings of this kind are by no means pointless. If they are well planned and prepared, networking events can help to make your own concept and company better known, to meet new potential customers and to establish interesting business relationships.

No more long and barren evenings! These tips can help you to make your next network meeting more effective and successful.

Select suitable meetings

When it comes to networking events, one thing is clear: less is more. Instead of participating in all the events to which you have been invited, you should only choose selected ones who will really help you and your company. It is best to include certain criteria in your selection, such as the reputation of the organizer or the venue. Because especially at smaller, more manageable meetings, it is often easier to make new contacts. There are also times when your company has something new to say. So the meeting is guaranteed not to be a waste of time.

The alpha and omega: The preparation

Inquire with the organizer for the guest list. In this way, you can get an overview of those present in advance and find out which of the invited guests might be possible new business partners or potential customers. Take a look at the LinkedIn profiles as well as the company websites, so you can keep the important but uninteresting small talk a little shorter and go a little deeper with your background knowledge. Also, practice getting out of conversations elegantly. The evening is too short to socialize with just one person.

Leave the mask at home

A networking event is not about getting some deals right away. So leave your businesswoman or businessman’s mask at home. Instead, relax and enjoy the evening, even if you have decided to get to know certain people. Each of the people will find the conversation with you much more interesting if you are authentic, relaxed and show interest in the other person. Nevertheless, don’t forget your business cards, which ideally have your name printed on it, a picture of you and a key message instead of just a company name. If the card can also be written on, the other person is guaranteed not to forget you along with their own notes.

Keep in touch

Everyone knows that a relationship is like a delicate plant: if it is not cared for, it dies. This is why you should try to keep in touch with your newfound contacts. Even if they are apparently of no use to you at first, you never know for what and when this contact might become important for you. So write an e-mail now and then, have a phone call and inquire about new developments. Try to find out where your work could possibly be connected to that of your contact.

Networking with a difference

Have you attended a number of typical networking events? Be brave and organize your own meeting with existing contacts. Instead of just keeping the connection virtual, you can bring yourself up to date in a personal conversation. Your contacts, who might have been able to make interesting new relationships through you, will also thank you.

The change of location can also bring new wind to Treffen. How about a wine tasting or lunch instead of a lengthy evening event? Your creativity will flow anew and maybe you will get to know a new business partner that you would otherwise never have come across.