So often, when we think about our New Year's Resolutions, we apply them to our personal and home lives. Given that we spend so much of our time at the office though, doesn't it seem fitting that we also make room for some self-improvement goals in our work life as well? Not sure where to start with your New Year resolutions in the office, here are some of our favorites to get the ball rolling!
Streamline a Process
You know that one thing you do and it ALWAYS gives you headaches? And every time you go to tackle it you think to yourself, 'there must be a better way'. What better time then the New Year to resolve to find that "better way" and share it with others. If it's a shared process, you likely have colleagues who are feeling the same as you but to take the initiative to find a solution will allow you to stand out to your peers and upper management.
Improve Communication
Whether it's with your team, clients or vendors, there is likely an area of communication you'd like to approve upon. Set an intention for 2020 to improve upon that, whether it's email response time or smoother project management, there is sure to be an area of your work life that can be improved by enhanced communication in one way or another. If you're not sure where to start, think about the last time you felt like a problem could've been avoided if communication was better, think about where that breakdown was and work to resolve it this year.
Reevaluate Your Workdays
How is your energy level throughout the day, are you using your time wisely or does it always feel like you're chasing your tail? If you ever get to the end of the day and feel like you've been working hard all day but don't have much to show for it, you might be prioritizing the wrong things. Start each day by making a list of the things that need to be accomplished.
As other tasks arise, evaluate where those lie in relation to the existing items on the list and work your way down through there. Maybe it's not your workload that's weighing you down, but maybe you need to be using your break or lunch to come up for air and take some personal time. This year, make it a goal to spend your time more wisely however you choose as it will make you overall more productive.
Reimagine Your Desk
Whether you've been at your job 6 months or 6 years, your desk decor likely hasn't changed much. Take this time at the start of the year to remove outdated items and clean up your filing system. Maybe apply a little bit of the KonMari method to your decor and only leave pieces that bring you joy. Better yet, don't find your desk very "joyful"? Add some color, pictures or pieces that make you smile!
Clean Up Your Email
I don't think this one could ever get old. Whether it's reorganizing your inbox folders or deleting some of that junk mail, whose email couldn't use a touch-up? Anytime you need to come for air from a project, put your headphones in and clean out that email, you'll enjoy tackling your inbox so much more as it's reorganized!
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Is one of your New Year resolutions to find a new job? Reach out to us, we're hiring around the country!