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| Turn in all expense reports Credit: Forbes |
Whether you have a few days off or you’re working right through the holidays—there are a few things you’ll want to do around the office before 2013 comes to an end.
“Sometimes this depends on your industry or job, but I think all professionals–no matter their role–can use this time of worldwide renewal to do at least a little bit of wrapping up and preparing for the New Year,” says Sara Sutton Fell, chief executive and founder of FlexJobs.“This ritual is important because many of us are so busy that if we’re not given a specific time of year to do this, it may never get done.” And if we want to see real career progress and advancement, we have to take stock of where we’ve been and what we’ve done, so we know how to move forward, she says.
Anna Sidana, the vice president of corporate marketing at BrightEdge, agrees that it’s necessary to end the year right at work. She says it is important to start the New Year with a fresh perspective, because this provides an opportunity to refocus on professional goals to ensure that you are expending your energies on projects that are going to make a difference and further your career. “Making a conscious decision to think about the New Year as a new beginning provides a natural milestone to reassess your career and its progress,” she says. “It is a chance to plan any changes and initiatives you might want to begin, however small.”
By wrapping up loose ends and projects, making any outstanding phone calls and addressing unresolved e-mails before the holidays, people can come back to the office with a renewed focus on the New Year, Sidana says.
“Taking the time to close the year out allows you to start the New Year off on the right foot, headed in the right direction,” adds Ryan Kahn, a career coach, founder of The Hired Group, star of MTV’s Hired! and author of Hired! The Guide for the Recent Grad.
Close out any outstanding projects. Your time off during the holidays is there for you to recharge and refresh. “Don’t leave loose ends or missed deadlines lingering over you,” Kahn says. “Spend the extra time now to make sure you can enjoy worry-free time off.” Plus, when you return to your workplace in 2014, you’ll have one less thing on your to-do list.
Complete all end of month/year reports. If you’re responsible for end-of-month or end-of-year reports, get those done before 2014, if possible, Sutton Fell says.
Turn in all expense reports. This can be a challenge when recent charges have not been posted to the credit card—but try to make sure you’ve completed as many of your 2013 expense reports as possible, says Jay Canchola, an independent human resources consultant.
Set an out-of-office response on your voice mail and e-mail. This may seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked, Kahn says. “You may be on vacation, but others may not be. Don’t risk inadvertently damaging any relationships.”
Coordinate travel plans and contact information. In addition to your out-of-office reply, you’ll want to make sure your team, and especially your manager, are aware of your travel plans and know how to reach you in case of an emergency, Kahn says. “You should also get a sense of where they will be and how to get in touch with them. This will eliminate any potential stress or surprises heading into your time off — and also demonstrate responsibility.”
Update your professional profiles. Ensure your LinkedIn profile, résumé and other professional resources are up-to-date, especially if your New Year’s resolution includes searching for a new job, Sidana says.
List your accomplishments. Reflect on the last 12 months and make a list of your accomplishments, Sutton Fell says. “Quantify anything that you can, and be as detailed as possible. Include what you did, why you did it, who was affected by it, and how it benefited the company. This information can be used in the future, either during your performance review, when requesting a raise or promotion, or in your résumé when applying for new jobs.” And you should do it now because once the New Year begins, you might not be able to recall all the details.
Lay out your goals. On the flip side, make a list of what you hope to do in the New Year, Sutton Fell says. “These can be both for your current job and for your own professional edification.”
“Planning goals for yourself and your team gives you a head start when you return after the holiday,” Sidana adds.
Are there projects you want to be involved with, or tasks you want to take on? Do you want to take a class or join a professional association? “Write these down and post them where you’ll see them regularly, either in your office at work or even on your refrigerator at home,” says Sutton Fell.
Reinforce your network. The holidays are the perfect excuse to send out cards or check-in with contacts you may not have been in touch with as much you’d like to be, Kahn says. “If you missed the opportunity to send out holiday cards, consider sending out New Year’s greetings.”
Complete all benefits forms. The end of the year is often a deadline for employee benefit changes, so check with your HR department and make sure you have all changes completed and paperwork signed, Sidana suggests.
Give thanks. Acknowledge how others have helped you in your career over the course of the year, Kahn says. “Let them know that you appreciate their efforts.”
Get organized. Clear your desk and e-mail and voicemail inboxes. This way, if you do take a few days off during the holidays, you’ll return in 2014 to a nicely organized workspace—which can significantly reduce any stress.
Disconnect. Take the time to enjoy being on vacation (even if you only have a day or two off) and spending time with loved ones. If you can avoid checking your e-mail or phone messages, do it. You’ve earned a break, Kahn concludes. You’ll return to the office in 2014 feeling refreshed and ready for what lies ahead.
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