How to get back into the swing of things: 2022 Update

This time last year we provided some handy hints around how to beat the back-to-work blues. This is an updated article to welcome you in to 2022.

There are two schools of thought on coping with the post-holiday return. Do you leap in with both feet? Or ease yourself in slowly? Whatever your preference, the new year is an excellent opportunity to reflect on what you did well in 2021, address what you’d like to do more of over the next 12 months, and develop some good habits and strategies to succeed while eradicating the bad.

Bad lists are good

Lists are good. They help you focus and enable you to create some order by providing clarity. Once you’ve worked out what you want to achieve in 2022, why not write a list of five things you don’t want more of this year? And instead of sticking that list on the wall and forgetting about it, take action to develop how you are going to turn these challenges into more aspirational business, personal and career goals.

For example, on your problem list might be ‘Cut down on absenteeism?’ Is there a clue here about how your team is feeling? Is there a wellbeing issue that needs to be addressed which could lead to more proactive initiatives around mental health, flexible working, etc. and wider discussions around creating a better company culture?

The sun is shining 

January in NZ is a little different to most Januarys around the world and returning to work in a UK or US winter, for example, is a daunting challenge. That’s worth celebrating – especially from a health and well-being perspective. It’s still early summer, so going back to work doesn’t have to curtail your fun time or stop doing all the things you enjoyed over the festive season. It’s important to keep doing all the things you like to do to stay relaxed and healthy. Plus, we also have a long weekend to look forward to in February thanks to Waitangi Day and upcoming regional Anniversary Days if you’re in Wellington, Auckland or Nelson.

Act like it’s your most productive month

Try not to think of January as, well… January. Can you adopt the mindset you had during your most productive month last year? Prioritise what needs to be prioritised, make lists (see above and below), and don’t waste time chasing the stuff that can wait.

If you need to ease yourself into things, then try to do a little more each day in the first two weeks, so that each day is busier than the previous one. However, if you want to go hard and go early, there’s no point delaying difficult conversations or making some of those big decisions.

Keep the team happy

If you’ve got the January blues, then there’s a good chance your team will have, too. Take them out for lunch, surprise them with a mid-morning tea or, if you’re feeling very generous, offer them a surprise day of working from home or a slightly earlier-than-planned Friday finish. More and more evidence suggests that employers respond positively to emotionally intelligent and empathetic leaders.

Be fearless with your inbox 

Prepare yourself for the fact that your inbox will be bulging. As with your daily tasks, prioritise, and take your time sifting through what needs to be addressed immediately, what can wait, and what can be delegated.

If you’re an owner or manager, chances are you probably had a sneaky look at your inbox during the holidays anyway so, hopefully, there won’t be too many nasty surprises lurking there. Rather than scheduling meetings or calls that can wait a few days, actively schedule some time in your calendar on day one or day two to attack your inbox.

Make another list

‘Create a list of items that must get done on your first days back,’ says Stuff. ‘When you’re struggling to focus and don’t know where to even start, this is a great way to stay on track and accomplish the bare minimum. And try prioritising your tasks.

‘It could also be the time to look at the little jobs that got left behind in the lead up to Christmas and work on those easier tasks, even if it was something like filing or cleaning out those cupboards that no one had seen the back of for months.’ 'Non-work' tasks are therapeutic, too, such as cleaning your work space or having a purge on paper recycling.

For more business ownership and leadership advice, check out more of our blogs.

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