Many office dwellers are in need of a little peace at work this season, no matter which set of holidays they celebrate. Accelerated work schedules designed to accommodate holiday time off may be particularly challenging for managers and employees alike. Juggling those tight deadlines, reviewing projects still in the queue for months that can no longer wait, squeezing in a record number of last-minute meetings … not to mention the neglected personal errands piling up and invading your thoughts.
Forget about Grandma … all that stress can make you feel like you got run over by a reindeer. But stay ‘nice’ under all that pressure (Santa’s watching, after all), and take a quiet moment to B.R.E.A.T.H.E. while considering these tips:
Bamboo … that’s not the latest dance craze, but shuffling your way through a busy stream of leave requests is also quite a workout. Look into apps—such as “BambooHR”—that can help you digitally manage employee time schedules with ease and create in-depth reports to provide more strategic HR support.
Remember … in the words of best-selling author Rick Warren, “how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. You are not where you want to be, but neither are you where you used to be.” It’s inspiring advice in both life and business. Take pride in your accomplishments, no matter how small, while continuing to push forward and keeping a positive momentum.
Evaluate … who else can help. If you’re in a position to delegate work to other team members, carefully analyze the tasks at hand and whether they require specialized skills. Plan for conflict and don’t let the ship sink before you start asking for help. If you’re the lone elf in your department and feel overwhelmed, ask your supervisor about outsourcing or bringing temporary staffing on-site.
Accept … the reality that you can’t always do more with less. Follow your instincts. If you sense that it will be impossible to deliver on the entire business wish list satisfactorily and on time, identify the highest priorities and stay focused in those directions.
Treat … yourself to sensible meals and snacks. Just as some foods give you energy, others deplete energy. Minimize your trips to the vending machine and fast-food places, for instance. Plan ahead and keep healthy choices consistently within reach, making it easier to stay focused and motivated throughout the workday and perform your best.
Handle … emotions in the workplace. As Wharton management professor Sigal Barsade explains, “Employees’ moods, emotions, and overall dispositions have an impact on job performance, decision making, creativity, turnover, teamwork, negotiations and leadership.” Try playing music, introducing aromatherapy, bringing in flowers, surprising co-workers with lunch, or other thoughtful ideas to lift people’s spirits and show them how much they are appreciated.
Enjoy … a life outside of work. Pursue things that bring you the greatest comfort and joy. Relaxing and having fun in your free time are necessary for your physical and mental health. It’s also a critical step toward recharging yourself for the next workday.
Michelle Peña is the senior editor of Office Technology Today and Small Business Tax Strategies. You can also follow her on Instagram @michymashup and LinkedIn @michymash.
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