Office days to make the return to everyday life easier

According to a survey by Duunitori and Taloustutkimus, about one-third of Finns experience anxiety when returning to work after summer vacation. The most common reasons are being rushed, unfinished work, and the daily grind.

The good news is that this feeling rarely lasts long. Sampsa Puttonen, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, points out that for most people, fatigue levels out within a week or two once they get back into the swing of things.

One of our best tips is simple: a good way to get back into the swing of things is to physically show up at the office. Many of the factors that make the transition easier happen most naturally right there, not on the couch at home: a change in routine, the presence of colleagues, and small comforts throughout the day. We’ve put together five reasons why it’s worth coming into the office, especially right after a vacation.

1. A Change of Scenery and Finding Your Rhythm

If you spent the summer on your couch at home or on the dock at your summer cottage, returning to the office helps your mind and body quickly realize that vacation is over and a new routine is beginning. Often, getting dressed for the office is also part of this transition, and you can often get a little boost just by seeing your summer tan in the mirror.

2. Catching Up with Colleagues

One practical tip after vacation is to catch up with your coworkers. A casual chat gets everyone on the same page and fosters a sense of camaraderie that makes it easier to work as a team. At the same time, information flows: you quickly find out what happened while you were away, and you can more easily get up to speed on current goals and your own tasks. This works best when your colleagues are actually in the office.

3. Microbreaks and small moments of luxury

Taking 10–15-minute microbreaks throughout the day helps you recharge, so you’re in a more relaxed state by evening. At the office, these moments happen naturally: a good cup of coffee, a chat with a colleague, a quick step outside, or a moment in a massage chair. Innovation Home’s spaces feature Work & Relax massage chairs designed specifically for this purpose. And even though the workspaces are located in prime downtown office locations, they also offer exceptional surroundings: a private courtyard in Kamppi, and the rushing rapids in Tampere.

4. A Breath of Fresh Air and Some Movement to Break Up the Day

A short walk or bike ride to the office is a better way to start the day than diving straight into your inbox. The same goes for the middle of the workday: a short walk during lunch or a quick stop at the gym before or after work recharges you just as well as a morning workout. The location of Innovation Home’s offices in the city center and other key areas makes these little “strolls” an easy part of everyday life. Innovation Home’s offices also host break workouts, which provide an easy way to break up sitting time during the day.

5. After-work gatherings to liven up your day

Reward yourself for a good day at work with after-work drinks: it’s a great way to liven up your day and meet up with friends after work. The downtown location makes this easy. Still, remember that a good night’s sleep is always the best way to recharge.

Returning from vacation doesn’t have to be a big effort when the environment supports it. Innovation Home’s “good work” spaces combine private offices, shared spaces, and services all for a single monthly fee, with prime locations in Helsinki’s Kamppi and Arabia districts, as well as in Tampere’s Finlayson area. Coffee, massage chairs, exercise breaks, and colleagues are all waiting for you when your workweek begins again.