Setting the pace
As we near the end of another year and the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to start planning for what lies ahead and how your business will transition back to work.
The new year offers a great opportunity to reset. When it’s time to shift from “holiday mode” to a more productive ‘work mode’, there are various strategies that can help you and your employees ease back into the work routine.
Here are some great ideas to ensure everyone feels rejuvenated after the break and is ready to start the new year with fresh energy.
If you like to keep a diary, starting the new year with a fresh one is a great way to set the tone. Not into diarising? A new notebook can do wonders for an organised mind!
No matter if you prefer a physical calendar or digital one, now’s the time to mark important dates for the year ahead.
To ease back into the workplace and mentally prepare yourself, declutter your emails. Avoid trying to tackle them all at once. Instead, take some time to plan how you’ll categorise them—by project, client, deadline, or another method. Think about setting up "rules" for automatically filing recurring emails, so you can manage them as they come in or on a regular basis. This will make the task much simpler next year.
To shift your mindset back to work mode, use your first day back to reflect on any challenges you faced before the holidays. Consider how you addressed those issues and what lessons you and your team can take away from the experience.
It’s crucial to plan for your first week back, focusing on what is most important and achievable. A well-structured plan will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. Take your time easing back into work to start the year on a positive note.
Prioritise your tasks to tackle the essentials first, while also setting aside time for projects you often overlook or consider “nice to haves.”
Leaders should schedule one-on-one check-ins with team members to align priorities and support their planning, ensuring a smooth transition back to work.
Give yourself something to anticipate. Organise a work event that will lighten your load and uplift both you and your team. Whether it is a themed movie night, a dinner with colleagues, a team social gathering, or a morning tea, having new plans in place will inspire you to keep moving forward into 2025.
The holiday season is all about reconnecting with friends and family, soaking up the summer sun, indulging in delicious food and drink, and enjoying a well-deserved break! Now is the perfect time to reset and prioritise your health and happiness.
Prepare healthy snacks and meals for your workdays, and make sure you’re eating nutritious meals at home—even with tempting leftovers and those five boxes of gifted chocolates! Take leisurely strolls with friends or family to enjoy the summer sunshine and fresh, wholesome food.
Pace yourself and pay attention to what your body needs so you can recharge and approach every step of 2025 with confidence.
