10 tips to keep festive cheer high and productivity higher

As the festive season approaches, a familiar phrase starts to echo through workplaces: “Let’s circle back after the holidays.” While this sentiment is often well-intentioned, aiming to defer tasks until the new year can inadvertently stall momentum and productivity. Understanding the impact of this mindset and implementing strategies to keep the wheels turning can help maintain a steady workflow even as the holiday spirit takes over.

The end of the year brings a unique set of challenges for maintaining productivity. With many employees taking time off, and the general atmosphere shifting towards celebration and relaxation, it’s easy for work to take a backseat. However, with some thoughtful planning and proactive measures, it’s possible to keep projects on track and ensure a smooth transition into the new year.

The Impact of “Circling Back”

1. Momentum loss: When tasks are postponed, the momentum built over the year can wane. Projects that were progressing smoothly might lose their pace, making it harder to pick up where you left off in the new year.
2. Increased backlog: Deferring tasks can lead to a significant backlog. When everyone returns from the holidays, the pile of pending work can be overwhelming, leading to stress and potential burnout.
3. Disrupted communication: Regular communication patterns are disrupted when team members are out of the office. Important discussions and decisions are delayed, which can affect project timelines and team cohesion.
4. Missed opportunities: The end of the year is often a time for reflection and planning. Delaying tasks can mean missing out on opportunities to innovate and strategise for the upcoming year.

10 Practical tips to maintain productivity

As the holiday season approaches, it’s crucial to adopt strategies that help maintain productivity and ensure that work continues to progress smoothly. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate this period effectively:

1. Set clear priorities: Identify the most critical tasks that need to be completed before the holidays. Focus on high-impact activities that will keep projects moving forward and prevent bottlenecks.
2. Create a holiday plan: Develop a plan that outlines what needs to be done, who is responsible, and the deadlines. This plan should include a buffer for unexpected delays and ensure that essential tasks are covered even if some team members are on leave.
3. Encourage early communication: Foster a culture of early communication. Encourage team members to discuss their holiday plans and availability well in advance. This helps in planning workloads and ensuring that there are no surprises.
4. Leverage technology: Utilise project management tools and collaboration platforms to keep everyone on the same page. Tools like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Teams can help track progress, assign tasks, and facilitate communication, even when team members are remote.
5. Implement a handover process: For tasks that cannot be completed before the holidays, establish a clear handover process. Ensure that there is a designated person to take over responsibilities and provide detailed documentation to avoid any confusion.
6. Flexible work arrangements: Consider offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate different holiday schedules. Allowing team members to work remotely or adjust their hours can help maintain productivity while respecting personal time.
7. Set realistic expectations: Be realistic about what can be achieved during this period. Avoid overloading your team with tasks and set achievable goals. Recognise that some slowdown is natural and plan accordingly.
8. Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the completion of tasks and milestones. This boosts morale and keeps the team motivated to continue working efficiently.
9. Plan for the new year: Use this time to plan for the upcoming year. Set goals, outline strategies, and prepare for a strong start in January. This proactive approach can help mitigate the impact of any year-end slowdown.
10. Encourage self-care: Remind your team of the importance of self-care. Encourage them to take breaks, enjoy the holidays, and return refreshed. A well-rested team is more productive and engaged.

The festive season doesn’t have to mean a drop in productivity

The phrase “Let’s circle back after the holidays” doesn’t have to signal a halt in productivity. While it’s natural for the festive season to bring about a shift in focus towards celebrations and personal time, it’s crucial to recognise the impact this can have on work momentum and take proactive steps to mitigate it.

By setting clear priorities, you ensure that the most critical tasks are completed, preventing bottlenecks and maintaining progress. Creating a detailed holiday plan and encouraging early communication helps manage workloads and avoid last-minute surprises. Additionally, leveraging technology and implementing a clear handover process ensures that work continues smoothly, even when team members are on leave. Flexible work arrangements can accommodate different holiday schedules, helping to maintain productivity while respecting personal time. Furthermore, setting realistic expectations and celebrating small wins can boost morale and keep the team motivated.

When leaders recognise potential pitfalls—like loss of momentum, increased backlog, disrupted communication, and missed opportunities—they can proactively equip their teams to navigate the holiday season with confidence. By anticipating these challenges and implementing strategic solutions, leaders can ensure their teams remain productive and motivated, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for growth and success.

Further information

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