Even though almost everything else about working patterns has changed over the last couple of decades, one thing that remains constant is the summer break that’s taken by most employees. For them it’s a chance to relax, spend time doing what they really want to do and forget completely about the 9-5 life.
Then, when it’s time to get back to work, in theory they should be bursting with energy and ready to start a whole new chapter in their working life.
For an employer this is the perfect opportunity to use this energy to boost the mood – and productivity – of the whole office, and one of the most effective ways of doing this is by leading by example. Here are five ways to use a return from holiday to kick-start an exciting new phase in work.
Have a good clear-out
A great way to ease yourself back into the routine is to have a proper clear-out of your desk, and not just on the surface but in all the drawers and filing cabinets you use too. Chances are there are lots of documents that you don’t need any more and the best place for them will be the shredder.
Get organised
Of course, there are also going to be lots of things you do need to keep and when you get back to work it will be the perfect time to rationalise the way that you file them. Why not store your documents in colourful binders to reflect your sunny post-holiday mood? And how about some bright and shiny letter trays help keep every document you need more easily to hand?
Plan the next few weeks
Once you’ve cleared the decks of clutter it’s time to take a look at the diary and see what’s coming up in the next few weeks. This is also the perfect moment to start prioritising your time and dividing the essential from the not so important. Coloured Post-it notes could be the perfect way to lay out this information, using different colours to express different levels of priority.
Work through your messages
The chances are that your email inbox will be full to bursting by the time you get back to work and the immediate inclination might be to start working through the messages in chronological order. But it will probably be a far more efficient use of your time if you deal with them all either by sender or the topic area that they concern. By being more focused you’ll also deal with them more effectively.
Reconnect with colleagues
Amidst all this activity you should remember that it’s hard to go straight from the total relaxation of your holiday to the frenetic working environment. So, to create more of a “soft landing”, take time for a lunch break and even invite a colleague or two to join you for a bite to eat and a catch up on work priorities.
Going back to work after a holiday needn’t be daunting – coming back refreshed and rejuvenated will mean you and your employees can seamlessly get back into the working routine, ready to take on any challeng
You can call a Staples representative at the following number:
+44 (0) 121 322 1000
You can also fill out the form below and one of our representatives will get in touch with you shortly.
