Back to Work with Energy: How to Turn Coming Back from Leave into a Fresh Start for Your Team

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September brings with it not only autumn, but also the return to the office after long-awaited vacations. For many employees, this time can be accompanied by a slight emotional transition, especially after the leisurely pace of vacation. That's why it's worth thinking carefully about the return as an opportunity to reconnect, revitalize and rediscover the team.

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Post-Vacation Blues - Why is it hard to get back to the office?

Returning from vacation often comes with a general feeling of lack of energy, motivation or work drive. The phenomenon is called the post-vacation blues and is a natural reaction to the body's sudden change of pace.

On vacation, our body operates in a state dominated by relaxation (the parasympathetic system), while the return to the office quickly activates stress mechanisms (the sympathetic nervous system), increasing cortisol levels. This hormonal transition, combined with the reactivation of routines associated with pressure and responsibilities, can lead to mild discomfort or anxiety.

The more intense or relaxing the vacation, the greater the contrast on return. Studies show that social, creative or recreational activities in the first days after the vacation significantly help to restore emotional balance and reintegrate effectively into the work environment.

With a little creativity and involvement, this can be one of the most memorable times of the year.

How? Through activities that are relevant, fun and well calibrated to the team context.

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A. Simple and educational activities in the office

Onsite activations can be an easy and effective solution to create an energy boost and support team well-being. Here are some ideas with proven impact:

Smoothie Bike

An interactive and sustainable activation where colleagues blend their own favorite smoothie by pedaling a special bike. Energy, fun and vitamins in one experience.

Fall nutrition workshop

A nutrition expert comes to the office and offers tips & tricks for a healthy lifestyle in the cold season - from smart snack ideas to organizing meals on the go.

Stretching or Zumba classes

Short sessions, adapted to the office environment, that relax the body and mind. Can be organized during lunch breaks or at the end of the working day.

Back health class / cervical exercises

Perfect for those who spend a lot of time in the office. Areas affected by prolonged sitting are worked on and participants are given exercises they can incorporate into their daily routine.

Barista Corner with personalization

A reinterpreted coffee corner with professional barista, latte art and personalized hot drinks - an authentic office indulgence that encourages socializing.

B. Teambuilding activities

For teams that want more than a one-off activation, we propose teambuilding experiences that combine fun with meaning and reconnecting:

Back to School (CSR Edition) - See program 🖱️: ̗̀➛

A concept with a double impact: teams compete in themed challenges inspired by school life, and the points earned are converted into school kits donated to underprivileged children. It connects colleagues and gives a concrete meaning to returning to the office.

Team Monopoly - See program 🖱️: ̗̀➛

An activity reminiscent of childhood games, with real challenges in different areas: logic, dexterity, creativity and collaboration. A playful but intelligent approach to the team concept.

Childhood Games - See program 🖱️: ̗̀➛

An outdoor program, energetic and full of fun, in which colleagues relive the classic games (Șotron, Elastic, Country-country we want soldiers, etc.) reinterpreted in a modern way, with a lot of creativity and humor.

C. Theme parties

Sometimes, the best way to mark a new beginning is with a party that gets the team out of the everyday and creates memories together. Here are 3 fresh suggestions:

Nostalgia Party

A retro-themed party (80s-90s-2000s), where the dress code, music, decorations and activations send the team straight back in time. Perfect to break the ice and create a relaxed vibe.

Office Cocktail Party

An after-hours event in the office space, with a mobile bar, chill music, photobooth and interactive games inspired by employees' everyday lives - from "Guess the Email Subject" to "The Most Creative Excuse for Being Late".

Color Party

Each team is given a themed color and has to integrate it into their outfits, decor and even at the bar (themed cocktails). There's dancing, merrymaking and prizes for the most creative looks.

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Conclusion

Returning to the office doesn't have to be a difficult or half-hearted process. With the right activities and a dash of inspiration, this period can become a fresh start - more energized, connected and smiling.

Want to choose the right activity for your team? Write to us and together we will find the perfect solution for a memorable Back to Work.

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Testimonials from those who have organized events with Ecoxtrem

Dear Ecoxtrem partners, thank you for the impeccable organization of the teambuilding activities for the Industrial Montaj team! Your professionalism and creativity made each activity an enjoyable and motivating experience for us. We are grateful for the excellent collaboration and positive energy you brought to the event. We look forward to working together again! With appreciation, Industrial Assembly Team.

‍ANCACHIPER, INDUSTRIAL MOUNTING

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First and foremost it is the open way in which you communicate with your clients both before and during the event and give suggestions according to our needs. Another very important aspect is how involved the trainers were during the event. They didn't just hand out some rules for the activities and that's it, they made sure that everyone is involved in the activities, that every colleague feels included, that every team has everything they need. We even collected feedback from colleagues and when asked "What did you like most about this teambulding?" many answered: "the activities at Ecoxtrem" :) So, we will definitely collaborate in the future. Thank you!

ANDREEA ALEXIE, SCHREDER ROMANIA SRL

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It was a wonderful experience for us and we are grateful for your efforts in organizing this event.

ANDREEA PETRESCU, SITECH

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Everything was great, the Survive IT concept, the fact that everyone could be included in teams / tribes, the very beautiful location, well organized transportation thanks to Iulian! Professional trainers as we have always been used to, very good organization, music at the location, personalized prizes, superlative attention to details. One thing to mention, it would have been nice to have a snack after the activities, but this is just a small detail. Thanks Iulian and the whole team for a wonderful day and we are already thinking about the next team building with you :)

‍ADELACOJOCARU, OPEN TEXT

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The activities were entertaining, funny, unique, the trainers were very good, they adapted very well to the audience.