Every business has a slow season, and for many, it comes at the end of the year. With coworkers and clients focused on the upcoming holidays and using the last of their vacation time, you might find yourself with a lot less than usual on your plate. If you’ve got some downtime at work this season, it’s tempting to kick back and relax. That’s not wrong, but finding ways to stay busy will likely benefit you and your career in the long run. Here are some ideas. Get organized. Does your inbox look like a disaster area? Or does your desk look like a bomb hit it? We often brush aside these “housekeeping” tasks, saying we’re too busy, but now your excuse is gone. It’s time to dig in and get organized. Sort through your emails and file what you need in easy-to-find locations. Dust your desk, give it a good scrub, and throw out what you don’t need. Lastly, take some time to plan out any projects for the next few months — you will thank yourself later. Develop yourself. When did you last take time to expand your skills or improve your marketability? If you can’t remember, a slow spell at work is the perfect time to engage in continuous learning. Many employers have optional online training courses, and other websites offer lessons for free or at a small fee. Determine your weak spots and dive in. Also, if it’s been a while since you’ve updated your LinkedIn page, now is a great time to update your information. Lend a hand. Remember that just because your work has slowed down, it doesn’t mean everyone else’s has. Find out what your coworkers are up to. If they’ve got a lot going on, offer to help where you can. They’ll remember the next time you need a favor, not to mention when performance review time comes around. Plus, you’ll KILLING TIME What to DoWhen Work Is Slow
TAKE A BREAK
also build connections and learn about parts of the business you might be unfamiliar with.
SOLUTION
A little work now can pay off later. Do yourself a favor and find a way to be productive during any seasonal downtime.
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