Nothing to Do at Work? Using a Quiet Week Well
Updated September 2026: in 2019 I wrote about coming back from a long vacation to two days with no work, a manager on leave on the third day, and a team that ended up playing Bingo over the office messenger. I have rewritten it as a guide to using a quiet week at work well.
After a long vacation, I spent my first two days back with nothing to do, watching random videos and browsing the internet. On the third day I was sure I would be given a new opportunity, but my manager was on leave. With no manager and no work, I went back to videos. Then a colleague messaged me on the office communicator asking whether we could play Bingo, because she was bored and frustrated. I said yes, and soon the whole team at my location was playing.
Why do quiet weeks happen?
Work in client-facing and presales teams arrives in waves. After a vacation, your old tasks have been covered or closed, and new ones have not been assigned yet. A manager on leave makes the gap longer.
Is it wrong to relax during a quiet spell?
Not at all. A bit of team fun builds friendships that help when the pressure returns. The risk is only in letting several days pass with nothing to show, especially if someone later asks what you did.
What are useful things to do with free time at work?
- Tidy your templates and slide library, so the next request is faster.
- Catch up on what changed while you were away, such as new offerings or clients.
- Learn one tool or skill that your role uses often.
- Offer help to a busy teammate, which also shows you are available.
- Write down lessons from your last opportunity while you still remember them.
How do you let people know you are free?
Send a short note to your manager or team lead, even if they are away: "Back from leave and available for new work. Here is what I am doing in the meantime." It prevents the impression that you are idle by choice.
Should you worry when there is no work?
One quiet week is normal. If it lasts a month, ask your manager directly about upcoming work and your role. Long quiet periods can be a sign of changes in the team, and it is better to hear about them early.