Three tips to help you have a productive December

Christmas is getting close! And while it’s easy to get caught up in festive planning and celebrations, there are still a couple of weeks of work to get through yet. Here are three tips to help you have a productive December.

There’s so much to do in December. From buying gifts and writing cards, to decorating trees, attending nativities and planning (and shopping for) your festive menu. And somewhere in all that planning and doing, you need to fit in work!

As December is an already short month, thanks to the Christmas holiday, this means you have less time to do all your usual work tasks, plus a few extra festive ones (especially if Christmas is a busy period for you).

Three tips to help you have a productive December

So how can you maximise the working days you have available, so you can properly switch off and enjoy your Christmas break when it comes?

Richard Morris, UK CEO, of workspace provider Regus offers three top tips for a productive December.

1) Prioritise and schedule

It sounds obvious, but prioritising tasks is particularly important during the shortened working month of December. Everyone works to different routines, but organisation and planning will help make each working day as efficient as possible.

Easily available hacks such as flagging priority emails and setting automated reminders can help you get on top of tasks. Also, consider whether meetings need to be face-to-face, or whether technology such as Skype can reduce time spent away from your desk.

2) Cut the commute

On average, UK workers spend around eight hours a week commuting to and from the office – the equivalent of an entire working day. So eliminating the commute, even for just a day or two, can help you maximise your working days in the run-up to Christmas.

The trick is to find a professional work environment that’s near to home and enables you to turn up, plug in and get productive. Working from cafes or from home may sound appealing, but in reality can often be distracting.

Having this extra time at the beginning and end of each working day can really help you get on top of time-consuming yet essential tasks such as admin and accounting. What’s more, you’ll probably feel fresher and more energised from not having to do battle with timetables, traffic jams and the travelling hordes.

3) Incentivise and reward

It’s nearly Christmas, so treat yourself! Set yourself goals and give yourself a small reward once you’ve ticked them off. A meal out, a drink with friends, a trip to the theatre – anything to make you feel good and to help you get through the task list.

Try not to let business matters encroach on leisure time. Set a deadline to wrap up your work each day and leave on time. This is easier said than done in today’s always-on digital age, but never feel guilty about logging out and enjoying some me-time.

With a little forethought and planning the December workload can be skilfully negotiated, leaving you free to fully embrace the Christmas break. So you can truly enjoy your time off – after all, you’ve earned it!

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Richard Morris is CEO of Spaces, creative working environments with a unique entrepreneurial spirit.