Get Back Into Work Mode After A Vacation: 15 Motivational Quotes

Q: "Why is it so hard to get back to work after vacation?"

"\u003cp\u003eIt’s normal to feel sluggish after time off, you’ve shifted out of routine, your brain has relaxed, and re-entry can feel jarring. The contrast between leisure and work mode can create resistance or anxiety, especially if your inbox is overflowing.\u003c/p\u003e"

Q: "What’s the best way to ease into work after a break?"

"\u003cp\u003eStart with quick wins: clear your inbox, list your top 3 priorities, and give yourself space to catch up before jumping into meetings or complex tasks. Block a couple of “no meeting” hours if you can.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"

Q: "How can HR help employees re-engage after time off?"

"\u003cp\u003eHR teams can support smoother transitions with structured PTO workflows, automated return-to-work reminders, and tools that eliminate the stress of planning coverage, like Vacation Tracker.\u003c/p\u003e"

Q: "How does Vacation Tracker help with post-vacation reentry?"

"\u003cp\u003eBy automating PTO tracking and making return dates and approvals transparent, Vacation Tracker makes it easy for your team to always know who’s back, when. It supports smoother transitions and avoids scheduling friction.\u003c/p\u003e"

Q: "Can I schedule reminders for when people return from PTO?"

"\u003cp\u003eYes. Vacation Tracker’s notification system can be configured to alert you when teammates return, helping with handoffs, project planning, and smooth re-onboarding.\u003c/p\u003e"

Author
aleksandra
Read time
2 minutes
Published
October 22, 2018

Get Back Into Work Mode After A Vacation: 15 Motivational Quotes

Going on vacation or annual leave is something all of us look forward to. All the planning and organizing before departure leads to an amazing vacation which leaves all of us feeling relaxed.

However, going back to work is something everyone struggles with. It can be hard getting back into work mode after a vacation, and we could all use some motivation before that first workday.

That’s why we’ve prepared a list of motivational quotes which get us back into work mode every single time.

15 Motivational Quotes

Believe in yourself, take on your challenges, dig deep within yourself to conquer fears. Never let anyone bring you down. You got to keep going. – Chantal Sutherland
Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best. – Theodore Isaac Rubin
Believe you can and you’re halfway there. — Theodore Roosevelt
I’m a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it. – Thomas Jefferson
Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. – Abraham Lincoln
Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible. – Francis of Assisi
Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. – Napoleon Hill
Those who say it can not be done, should not interrupt those doing it. – Chinese Proverb
Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. – Rikki Rogers
The secret to getting ahead is getting started. – Mark Twain
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. —Albert Einstein
When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. – Henry Ford
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. – Aristotle Onassis
The only way to do great work is to love what you do. – Steve Jobs
The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me. – Ayn Rand

Workweeks can be rough, however, always keep in mind what you’re working for and what you’re trying to achieve. Everyone has a bad workday, but with the right motivational quotes, you can push through easily. Go get your work mode on!

Frequently asked questions

Why is it so hard to get back to work after vacation?

It’s normal to feel sluggish after time off, you’ve shifted out of routine, your brain has relaxed, and re-entry can feel jarring. The contrast between leisure and work mode can create resistance or anxiety, especially if your inbox is overflowing.

What’s the best way to ease into work after a break?

Start with quick wins: clear your inbox, list your top 3 priorities, and give yourself space to catch up before jumping into meetings or complex tasks. Block a couple of “no meeting” hours if you can.

How can HR help employees re-engage after time off?

HR teams can support smoother transitions with structured PTO workflows, automated return-to-work reminders, and tools that eliminate the stress of planning coverage, like Vacation Tracker.

How does Vacation Tracker help with post-vacation reentry?

By automating PTO tracking and making return dates and approvals transparent, Vacation Tracker makes it easy for your team to always know who’s back, when. It supports smoother transitions and avoids scheduling friction.

Can I schedule reminders for when people return from PTO?

Yes. Vacation Tracker’s notification system can be configured to alert you when teammates return, helping with handoffs, project planning, and smooth re-onboarding.