Realistic workplace resolutions for the New Year
As we mark the final month of 2016, we look ahead to 2017. The beginning of any year is a natural time to make a fresh start. New Year’s resolutions are always at the top of a to-do list as the year ends, but workplace resolutions don’t need to be big, drastic changes. Setting new goals, making new plans and new directions offer significant advantages and possibilities for the coming year. Here are some realistic workplace resolution ideas you could try in 2017.
1. Take Back Your Breaks
Stop working while you eat. For those of you with back-to-back appointments and endless to-do lists, this might seem like an impossible task, but taking that lunch break is so important. Preparing lunch in advance, might mean having to get up a bit earlier in the morning, but bringing your lunch to work not only saves you money but allows you more time to take a break and recharge on your lunch hour. Instead of queueing for a sandwich, you could spend your extra time by taking a nice stroll through the city, by canal and around the parks.
If you must stay at your desk during your lunch break, take some time to remove yourself from tasks and emails. Open a new browser window and read that article you glanced over that morning, listen to some music or even just doodle at your desk! Break smarter = work better.
2. Make Small Savings
Yes, you can do this by packing your lunch every day, but you can also save yourself change each day by taking advantage of that coffee machine or filtered water tap at work. Skip the coffee or the bottled water on your morning commute into work and bring your lunch along with you. We’re not saying you have to do this every day, obviously your thirst or latte cravings en route to the office will get the better of you some mornings, but small savings a couple of times a week will have your bank account thanking you at the end of the month.
3. Step Away from Social Media
Unless your job requires you to use social media sites for your company, we can agree that most bosses would not be pleased to find you posting pictures of your Sunday brunch on Instagram during work hours. For those of us who have difficulty focusing, we all know how easy it is to get sucked into your Facebook feed. What was meant to be a quick glance, turns into a half hour of watching viral videos of cute puppies. Make your workday more productive by getting your social media fix either on your lunch break or when you get home!
4. Learn Something New
Whether it’s photography, languages, public speaking, creative writing, there’s no time like the present to learn a new skill that may benefit your career. Check out any seminars or workshops that might be offered in your workplace, nearby associations and organisations, at a local college or even online. There’s no wrong way to tackle knowledge, or specific deadline date, it is a never-ending process with endless possibilities.
5. Incorporate Exercise into Your Workday
There are many ways to incorporate exercise into your day-to-day workplace, without having to fork out for an expensive gym membership. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Walk to work instead of taking the bus or, if your journey is too far, get off a couple of stops earlier and walk the rest of the way. Why not schedule a walking meeting? This is a great way to stay committed to work while also getting some fresh air. Sign up for a city bike account and cycle to some of your external meetings instead of hailing a taxi. Take advantage of any workplace fitness events or wellbeing programmes such as yoga, or organize a lunch time jog with some of your colleagues. Signing up to a 5 or 10k run, mini-marathon or marathon, five-a-side footie group or tag rugby league with work colleagues is a great way to stay motivated, encouraging teamwork and collaboration, while offering a clear goal in sight.
Follow Glandore on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram & Facebook for regular updates.