Back to work: How occupational health can help you reset for success

The summer holidays are over, and workers across the UK are returning to their desks, factories, construction sites and transport networks. As an employer, this transition period presents an opportunity to reset your health and safety priorities, and establish positive workplace practices that will sustain your teams through the year ahead.

Occupational health isn't just about preventing workplace injuries - it's your gateway to enhanced productivity, improved wellbeing and long-term success. Whether you work in rail, construction, manufacturing, transport, utilities - or any of the other diverse sectors that Express Medicals supports - prioritising your employees’ physical and mental health during this back-to-work period can transform business performance.

Understanding occupational health and its impact

Occupational health is a critical component of a thriving workplace. At its core, it focuses on promoting and maintaining the physical, mental and social wellbeing of employees, creating conditions that enable everyone to perform at their best. By understanding and addressing workplace risks, occupational health initiatives go beyond reactive measures, aiming to prevent potential issues before they arise.

For industries like rail, construction and manufacturing, occupational health services are particularly crucial. These sectors face unique challenges including physical demands, safety-critical roles, and often irregular working patterns that can impact both physical and mental health. Professional occupational health providers like Express Medicals offer testing, screening, medication advice, health surveillance, specialised training and ongoing support tailored to these industry-specific needs.

The benefits extend beyond individual wellbeing. Companies that have robust occupational health programmes in place see reduced absenteeism, lower staff turnover, improved productivity and stronger employee morale.

Common back-to-work challenges
Returning to work after a break presents health and safety challenges that many businesses underestimate. Those who work shifts or in safety-critical roles in particular will need time to readjust to workplace routines, physical demands and professional stressors.

Physical readjustment issues

Extended time away from work often means reduced physical conditioning. Construction workers may find their stamina has decreased, office workers might experience increased back pain from prolonged sitting or eye strain from screens, and rail or manufacturing industry professionals could struggle with shift patterns that disrupt their circadian rhythms.

Poor nutrition habits developed during holidays can compound these issues. Irregular meal times, increased alcohol consumption, and reduced physical activity create a perfect storm for decreased energy levels and compromised immune function.

Mental health transitions

The psychological shift from relaxation mode to professional focus shouldn't be underestimated. Post-holiday blues affect up to 60% of workers, characterised by anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and reduced motivation. These symptoms can persist for weeks without proper management.

Workplace stress that seemed manageable before the break might feel overwhelming upon return. This is particularly relevant in high-pressure industries where safety-critical decisions are routine. Mental health support through occupational health services can provide crucial coping strategies and early intervention.

Strategies for a healthy back-to-work transition

Successful workplace reintegration requires a proactive approach to both physical and mental preparation.

Physical preparation techniques

For those who work shifts, especially nights, it’s best to begin adjusting sleep schedules at least one week before returning. If possible, schedule rotas to allow those working these shifts to gradually align their sleep-wake cycle. This will help prevent the jarring adjustment that can affect concentration and safety performance.

Nutrition plays a crucial role in energy levels and cognitive function, so help your employees to plan and prepare healthy meals that align with their work schedule. For construction and manufacturing workers, focus on protein-rich options that sustain energy throughout physically demanding days. Help them avoid the temptation to rely on convenience foods and unhealthy snacks during the transition period back-to-work by providing fruit and healthy snacks in break rooms.

Mental health and wellbeing strategies

Use the opportunity of this transitional period to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. This prevents the overwhelming feeling that work is all-consuming after a relaxing break. Encourage stress management habits such as meditation sessions and exercise breaks, and if office-based, promote the practice of getting outside during the day. These habits become invaluable during challenging work situations and help maintain perspective during busy periods.

Try to foster an environment where employees don’t hesitate to seek help, and consider providing an Employee Assistance Programme so that they have 24/7 access to general emotional support as well as formal counselling sessions. Professional counselling, stress management workshops and mental health first aid training can all provide your staff with practical tools for long-term productivity.

Creating supportive work environments

Employers should provide clear communication about any workplace changes that occurred during the holiday period. This reduces anxiety and helps employees feel prepared and informed. Regular check-ins during the back-to-work transition can identify and address potential issues before they become significant problems.

Comprehensive health support systems

Professional occupational health services should include drugs and alcohol testing protocols, particularly in safety-critical industries like rail and construction. Substance misuse can rise with the increased social activity often associated with holidays, so testing can be of particular importance during this period. Ensure employees keep you updated on any changes to medication whilst on holiday, and make use of tools like the Express Medicals Medication Advice hotline.

Training programmes that refresh safety procedures, update skills, and introduce new technologies help employees feel confident and competent in their roles. These programmes protect both individual workers and their colleagues while maintaining industry safety standards. This reduces stress and prevents accidents that could result from uncertainty or outdated knowledge.

Resources and support for long-term success

Occupational health providers like Express Medicals offer comprehensive support services designed to support the health and safety protocols of your business. These services extend far beyond medical assessments and drug & alcohol testing, to include ongoing support, specialised training, and industry-specific wellness programmes.

At Express Medicals we tailor each programme to best suit the employees it is designed to benefit. For example, for rail industry workers, we provide regulatory standard medicals and drug & alcohol testing address the unique challenges of shift work, safety-critical decision-making, and physical demands of railway operations.

For construction or manufacturing professionals, we may conduct health surveillance assessments, to Identify any signs of adverse health effects from workplace risks. This could include, respiratory, hearing, skin and hand arm vibration syndrome.

In conclusion

The habits you and your teams establish now will impact your business health, productivity and employee satisfaction during the back-to-work transition and in the years to come.

Take action today by assessing your company’s current health status, identifying areas for improvement, and engaging with occupational health services. Whether you need drugs and alcohol testing, nutrition guidance, mental health support, or industry-specific health surveillance, professional support is available to help your employees thrive. Make this back-to-work period the beginning of your company’s most successful and healthiest chapter yet.