Ah, the holidays! Presents, decorations, and baking are calling your name. Family gatherings, pageants, programs, and parties are waiting for you to plan or attend. On top of all that, work demands your daily attention even though your to-do list has doubled or tripled with holiday happenings.
Staying productive and on task during the holidays presents an extra challenge, complicated because, for many businesses, the holidays usher in one of the busiest times of the year. So, put these strategies into play ASAP to protect your workplace productivity and your sanity.
- Make a list
Actually, make two lists, and neither will resemble the scrap in your pocket noting bread, milk, eggs, and peanut butter to be picked up on the way home. Make one list for your work responsibilities, mapping out the rest of the year. Do the same for your personal life. Jot down your commitments, projects, gift lists, events, purchases, etc. Prioritize both lists, with an eye toward any line item that can fall harmlessly to the bottom of the list. If something can wait until after December 25, great. After January 1? Even better. Cross out and rearrange aggressively. You’ll thank yourself later.
- Manage expectations
Set yourself up for success by reigning in your expectations. You’re only human, there are only twenty-four hours each day, and you cannot please everyone. Be realistic with just how many parties you can attend and how many dozen cookies you can bake while still maintaining enough stamina and brainpower to complete your assigned duties at work. Keep in mind the extra tasks that may come your way due to the holiday’s impact on the workplace. Cut yourself some slack and remember to breathe.
- Take a few days off
If possible, take some time off. Even an afternoon here or a morning there will give you time to attack the home front to-do list while giving you a reprieve from the day-to-day workplace demands. Try to make time for a favorite holiday tradition or treat—a peppermint mocha or a stroll to take in the Christmas lights. Initiate a work schedule that allows everyone to take a bit of time off to enjoy the season and manage the tasks that accompany the holidays.
- Avoid multi-tasking
What would it hurt, you may wonder, if I browse for online gifts during the weekly staff meeting or to address Christmas cards in between workplace projects? Listening with only one ear is a surefire way to miss something important. And who knows if you’ll end up with the right gifts when the order arrives? So instead, choose to focus on one task at a time, giving it your full attention. You’ll be less distracted, and you won’t have to worry about feeling guilty or getting caught attending to personal matters on company time.
- Stay healthy
Don’t allow the busyness of the holidays to distract you from healthy eating, regular exercise, and a proper sleep schedule. Because what’s worse than getting a bit behind on the holiday to-do list? Becoming ill, missing work, and having to skip holiday happenings.
At A.R. Mazzotta, we understand the holidays come with their brand of stress. However, we can assist with extra staff who can help to make this the most wonderful time of the year indeed. So, why not let us be your Connecticut staffing partner?