THE holiday season takes place at the same time every year. However, most of us are still caught off-guard when December rolls around. With so much to plan for and to execute, the whole experience sometimes proves overwhelming. This becomes even more apparent when an everyday work life is added to the mix. Usually, by the first week of December our brains have begun conjuring up thoughts of presents, decorating and entertaining at home. Therefore, when at the office it can prove difficult to switch off and focus on the day-to-day tasks that we are faced with. However, a little thought and planning can aid in preparing for Christmas and the New Year without infringing on work assignments.
Plan Ahead- To remain productive at work whilst preparing for the season, your time must be scheduled properly. Design your strategy at home. By doing this in advance, it simply remains for you to put your plan into action. Everything will not go the way that you want it to, but at least this way you will only need to deal with the one or two mishaps that arise from time to time.
Put Your Lunch Hour to Work- During the month of December; it might be a good idea to work through your lunch hour, this way you can then leave work an hour early to run errands. If leaving work early is not an option, be proactive and use your lunch hour to write holiday cards, address gifts or to shop for small, easy to find items.
Dedicate After-Work time To Online Shopping- Shopping on foot for the season takes up a lot of time. Shop online during your out of office downtime. This in turn will result in you having extra time on your hands that can devoted to other tasks.
Focus on Work, Not on Your Time off- Even though the holiday spirit may have already taken a hold, try to stay on target. It is very easy to allow your mind to wonder this time of year, but if that happens turn your thoughts to what could go wrong if you do not complete tasks. Those images should keep you on track.
Ask for Favours- We all get a little stressed out from time to time. If you feel this happening to you, there is nothing wrong with asking for help from friends and family. If they are out on the road, ask them to pick up certain gift items. If they are having certain food items prepared, ask them whether their caterer will be able prepare some dishes for you also. You will be surprised at how many people are willing to go that extra mile during the season.
It is important to find a balance between work and preparing for the holidays. Supervisors will not look too favourably on an unfinished project that remains incomplete because you had to go gift shopping. On the other hand, you do not want to be spending extra time in the office on Christmas Eve completing tasks that you continuously kept putting off. Choose to be productive- you will be surprised at how much you are able to get done.
(Season’s greetings and a prosperous and productive New Year from the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council. For more information on productivity contact the National Competitiveness and Productivity Council on Second (2nd) floor, Financial Centre Building, Bridge Street, Castries. We can also be contacted at 468 -5576 or visit the Council’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/stluciancpc or email them at [email protected])