And in a few days, you’ll find yourself right in the whatsapp number database middle of it all – picking out the right tree, buying gifts, gathering family and friends… some of you may even be packing your bags for that long-awaited vacation.
Caught in the chaos of planning, it’s easy to get lost and maybe miss a thing or two at work. So how do you make sure you’ve covered all your bases? Feel like you could use a few avatars to help you spread yourself thin right now? Us too!
Workplace stress during the holidays is real! While we can’t give you avatars, we can share a few helpful tips to help you manage your tasks and increase your productivity. (Pssst… take a closer look, you can use some of these to manage your personal tasks, too.)
This holiday season, focus on work and make sure you don’t slip.
Create a to-do list
To do or not to do! This is the question that will plague you every time you need to do something. So, make a list. In fact, make several… for work, for home, for shopping, etc. Lists will help clear your head and deal with confusion. Making a list will also help you remember what needs to be done.
When you create a list, be specific. Identify tasks that need to be completed before the holidays begin. Once your tasks are sorted out, you will be able to prioritize and allocate time. You will also be able to assign or delegate tasks to your coworkers and team members if you cannot complete them yourself.
Add details to your tasks
What, when, where, why and how!
Wanting to bake a cake is not as simple as throwing in the dough and putting the pan in the oven. It is the details that matter. Once you have identified the tasks, break them down into details as small as possible. Add all the information that is available, which includes deadlines, dates, phone numbers, email IDs, etc.
You should be able to tell what needs to be done and how, at a glance.
Deadlines should not be set in stone
Now you have prioritized your tasks and prepared a list, but will you be able to complete them? Have you considered appropriate holidays? Have you considered time spent on personal tasks, such as holiday shopping?
Look closely at the deadlines you have set. Calculate the time it will take to complete these tasks. Give yourself a break between each task and relax.
If you feel you need to put some of these tasks on hold, talk to your manager. If you feel you need more time to complete a task, see if your teammates can share your work with you.
Be flexible - other people's time is not yours
You need to be doubly careful if you are a team leader or manager. If your deadlines include input from your teammates or subordinates, discuss and take their commitments into account.
Remember, everyone is busy during the holidays. And no one wants to be stuck in the office doing work when they have no say in the planning.
Use your calendar to mark these dates.
Once you have compiled your list, reach out to your colleagues and clients.
Use your calendar to schedule meetings with stakeholders. Let them know about your vacation and the status of your tasks. Discuss what needs to be done as a priority before the holidays and what can be postponed.
Use alerts to let you know when a task is due.
Don't get distracted
Did your coworker tell you there's a sale at your favorite store? Is your floor excited about playing Secret Santa? And if you work at one of those companies that throws end-of-year holiday parties, there's a constant buzz around you.
With multiple tasks at hand, there will be many distractions. It is okay to decline - to volunteer, to do this activity, or to participate in this activity. Politely decline and focus on the work.
Explain to your coworkers and let your manager know that you need to focus on work.
Prepare your answering machine
While you can sit back and enjoy that eggnog, not everyone will be closed for the holidays. There will always be businesses that will be open for business, if not in your part of the world, then somewhere else.