Posts Tagged ‘holidays’

Clearing off Your Desk for the New Year!

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

herald-messy-desk1Holiday shopping is calling, your dry cleaning is waiting and you are ready for VACATION! But wait, before leaving for the holidays, roll up your selves, dedicate some time and clean your desk to start the New Year off organized and ready to be productive.

•    As simple as it sounds: file your papers! While most of your documents may be digital, those papers stacking up on your desk are there for a reason (and if they are not, recycle them and get rid of them). Categorize those that do serve a purpose; put them in folders and make them accessible.

•    Do a quick inventory of what you are missing and what you may need for the New Year. Staples, tape, screen cleanser, you name it, make a list and inform the appropriate people in charge of supplies.

•    Get rid of clutter. If the business cards you obtained from all your networking meetings are scattered, its time to enter the data into your contact management system and store the cards in a particular place. If they are transferred digitally, you may even be able to toss the card to eliminate even more clutter.

•    Look at your computer desktop. Is it overflowing with documents that can be placed elsewhere in more specific files? You be the judge, but having a clean computer desktop makes finding folders easier, not to mention it is aesthetically pleasing.

•    Make a quick reminder list of meetings, phone calls or any other follow-ups that you have to do after the holidays.

•    Last but not least, wipe-down your workspace: desk, computer screen, keyboard, chair, and anything else you want squeaky clean.

Now go enjoy your holidays!!

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Wish your Staff Happy Holidays!

Monday, December 14th, 2009

During the rush of the holiday season, in the midst of shopping trips, holiday parties, clearing off your desk and ramping up for the New Year, don’t forget to find special ways to thank those who have been by your side all year long: your team. This is the perfect time of year to show your team you care and there are a variety of ways to show appreciation for those who help you all year round.gift-guide-good-house-300

Can’t afford to give your team a traditional Holiday Bonus? Times are tough. But, there are other ways to reward your staff that are cost-effective.

Team Gifts

Buy a nice gift for members of your staff.  Gifts are often cheaper when bought in bulk, so you can afford to splurge on a few cases of wine or a large order of fruit baskets.  Get creative and make your own gift baskets or packages. Really tight on cash? Reward your staff with company coupon books redeemable for extra personal days or half days. (Just make sure everyone is clear on the parameters for redeeming them!)

Internal Greetings

Send out a mass email of holiday e-cards (or mail handwritten cards) to members of your staff the day before people start leaving for the holidays.  Check out Hallmark or 123 Greetings for cost-effective e-cards.

Create a Holiday Atmosphere

holiday_office_decorA few weeks prior to the holidays, stay late one night and decorate the office with non-denominational holiday decorations.  Your team will arrive the next day and be surprised by how beautiful the office look.  This will create a wonderful mood around the office. Play holiday music during the day for an extra touch and keep a stash of fresh-baked cookies and hot beverages in the break room.

Throw a Party!

Your holiday soiree doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive to be fun. In fact, your team may appreciate a more laid-back holiday celebration in lieu of having to buy a new outfit and get all dressed up. Throw the bash in your company conference room or at a nearby bar.  If the party is after-hours, let your team bring guests. Host a Holiday Happy Hour at your favorite local watering hole. As long as you provide plenty of snacks and drinks, your party is sure to be a hit. (Check out our blog on hosting the perfect holiday party!)

Bring your Team Together

happy_holidaysThe holidays are all about bonding and togetherness with those you care about throughout the year.  Plan fun activities outside the office to make memories for your team. Try bringing your team holiday caroling or ice-skating on a Saturday afternoon. Team up for a good cause by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or having an office-wide holiday toy drive. (Offer prizes to bring a friendly competitive spirit.) Start a Secret Santa tradition and bring the holiday spirit to life in your office.

Regardless of how you spread holiday cheer throughout the work place, don’t forget to find small ways to thank your team for their year of service and to get your whole office excited for what 2010 will bring.

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Happy Holidays! December Holidays Around the World

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

510cw1As a manager, it’s your job to spread holiday cheer around the office and to your clients.  Keep the spirit merry by being culturally sensitive to the beliefs of your clients and colleagues.  Make sure that your holiday festivities include everyone in the office. Remember, there are other holidays in December besides Christmas. Here are a few quick tips to keeping the holiday spirit alive and well in your office, without crossing any boundaries.

1. Christmas, Channukkah, Kwanzaa, oh my! With so many wonderful holiday traditions in December, it can be hard to keep them all straight.  But, it’s important to do your homework and read up on December holidays your employees may celebrate. For example, did you know that December l3th is Saint Lucia day, a national holiday celebrated in Sweeden? Brush up on your cultural awareness to make the holiday season merry for everyone in the office.

2. Have international employees or interns? Here’s your quick guide to how holidays (Christmas, in particular) are celebrated around the world. Make co-workers from around the world feel right at home by integrating traditions from different countries into your holiday festivities.

3. Decorate the office using non-denominational decorations. Snowflakes and snowmen are great examples of universal decorations that keep the office festive, but are not tied to one specific holiday. Avoid putting a Christmas tree or holiday-specific decoration in a central location.

4. Have a pre-holiday meeting with your staff. Make sure that you communicate openly with your employees about what is and is not appropriate during the holiday season. You don’t want co-works unintentionally offending each other at the happiest time of year.

5. Don’t be afraid to celebrate! Once the terms are set and everyone is on-board with creating a culturally-sensitive holiday environment, feel free to let loose! Host a holiday party, plan intra-office get-togethers outside the office or even set an extra cheerful tone around the office as the holidays approach. As they say, “‘Tis the season to be jolly!”

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‘Tis the Season to be Productive!

Monday, November 30th, 2009

christmas ceoThe holiday season is here! Whether your mind is wandering to your Thanksgiving food coma or your trip to the mall to do some holiday shopping, it can be hard not to get distracted at work. Whether your office is quiet or crazy, ’tis the season to be productive! Here are a few quick tips to keep your hands busy, your mind focused and the days flying by during this festive season.

If your office is quiet: Think out with the old and in with the new!

  • Play catch-up
  • Clear your desk/inbox
  • Clean your desk
  • Lend a hand with your colleague’s projects
  • Set goals and mentally prepare yourself for Q1

If your office is crazy: Think time and space management!

  • Organize your space
  • Organize your time
  • Make To-Do lists
  • Take mini-breaks
  • Stay cheerful (It is the holiday season after all!)

Sure, the holiday season at the office can be overwhelming (or underwhelming). But, stay focused and productive and before you know it, it will be time to celebrate!

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