As the year winds down and the pace of work slows, many people find themselves with extra time on their hands. They have pushed hard up to the holidays, leaving little to do in the closing few weeks of the year. While it might be tempting to ease into the holidays, this period offers a unique opportunity to prepare for the upcoming year. Here are eight ideas to stay productive and set the stage for a successful start to the new year.
- Network Strategically
The holiday season is an excellent time to reconnect with your professional network. Consider sending personalized holiday greetings to clients, customers, and peers. A phone call to discuss their plans and challenges for the upcoming year can strengthen relationships and uncover new opportunities to collaborate.
- Organize and Declutter
The end of the year is perfect for tidying up your workspace—both physical and digital. Do you have a robust, brilliant filing system that you abandon when work is hectic? Sort through those files, clean out your inbox, and organize your desk. This early “spring cleaning” can create a more efficient work environment and help you hit the ground running in January.
- Benchmark Your Role
Take time to evaluate your position within the industry. Research compensation benchmarks and explore career opportunities, even if only out of curiosity. Reach out to an excutive recruiter and ask them questions about demand, compensation, and challenges for people in your role or industry. Understanding your value and career trajectory can empower you to make informed decisions in the new year.
- Evaluate and Optimize Processes
Review the systems and processes you rely on throughout the year. Are there repetitive tasks you could automate? Is there software that could streamline your workflow? A slower work period is the ideal time to test new tools or refine your methods for greater efficiency.
- Update Your Professional Contacts
Review and update your contact list. Ensure that email addresses and phone numbers are current for clients, colleagues, and collaborators. Reaching out to dormant connections can also revitalize relationships and open doors to fresh opportunities.
- Review Goals and Set New Ones
Take a step back to assess your achievements over the past year. Which goals did you meet? Where did you fall short, and why? Use this reflection to set thoughtful goals for the year ahead. If you still have some time on your hands, break those goals up into smaller bite-sized goals to accomplish quarterly, monthly, and weekly.
- Focus on Learning and Development
Invest in your professional growth by enrolling in an online course, reading industry-relevant books, or attending virtual workshops. Expanding your skill set not only keeps you sharp but also positions you to tackle new challenges with confidence.
- Plan for Team Engagement
If you manage a team, use this time to brainstorm ways to boost morale and engagement in the coming year. Consider organizing professional development opportunities, planning recognition programs, or revisiting team goals to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
The end of the year doesn’t have to be a lull—it can be a launchpad. By focusing on these productive activities, you can set yourself and your organization up for success in the new year. Whether you’re building relationships, streamlining operations, or planning, each step you take now will pay dividends when work picks up again. Take advantage of this slower season to lead with purpose and vision into the year ahead. And of course, leave plenty of time to unplug and relax during the holiday season.
