Happy Thursday!
If you’re reading this, you may be having a slow day at work. We all do, from time to time. And as much as we love talking about how busy we are at work (after all, hasn’t busyness become a badge of honor), we tend not to put quite as much focus on the lack thereof. What about those days when projects are at a stand still, waiting for some approval or another? Or when a deadline is pushed back, and as a result the ebb and flow of work is hitting more of a low tide?
Do we chuck the downtime at the office to seasonal or structural fluctuations? Or even record it as a productivity loss (although spent on browsing the Internet, scouring online sales or playing Angry Bird)?
I’ve learnt early enough that time is a precious commodity, and that slower times should not slow you down in your progress. As much as we can’t, and shouldn’t, always be on the go, taking advantage of slower times at work to build or reinforce our progress and success should not be left to chance. Whichever you look at it, you’re still at work, so make it count:
1. Learn something! Now may be the perfect time to catch up on the latest accounting pronouncements, check out some optional webinars, or finally get a hold of that Access training! Learning is key to success, and while work may be slow, you may be able to use that time to speed your learning and growth…
2. Hang out! Have you been so busy lately you haven’t had time to take a coffee break with the team? How about going to lunch with your boss? Relationships are key to your success, at work and in life. Take advantage of slow days to enhance your rapport with your colleagues and team. You’ll be thankful for the brownie points…
3. Get Organized! I love slow days at work, because they allow me to catch up on my organization. Nothing like a well-organized inbox (does that even exist?), or a desk that does not look like a war zone! Welcome the opportunity to get some order around, declutter so you can start fresh…Your mind (and clean desk) will thank you…
How do you use your downtime at work?
The Corporate Sis.
