Six ways to make the most of working over the holidays

Working between Christmas and New Year’s isn’t as depressing as it sounds – sure, your office might look like a ghost town but that means it’s quiet enough to get caught up on stuff without any office hassles or drama. Here are just a few things you can do to make the most of working over the holidays:

Clean your desk – Make sure 2012 gets off to a clean start by dealing with your messy desk and clutter. File loose papers away and get rid of anything you don’t need anymore. Bring in a bottle of all-purpose cleaner and wipe down your desk and phone as well (just in case the cleaning staff has missed a few spots).

Catch up on projects and other work – With fewer interruptions, now is the perfect time to finish that report or get ahead on projects. You’ll also be giving yourself a head start for the New Year.

Take a longer lunch – A quiet office means you might be able to linger over lunch a bit longer than normal. Or take the time to hit up a few shops and nab some Boxing Day deals on your break.

Returns calls and emails – This is a great time to get caught up on correspondence. Chances are no one will pick up the phone or return your note until the New Year, but at least you’ll be caught up (and if there was a call you’re dreading, at least you can say you’ve made the first move).

Come up with new ideas – is there something you or your team could be doing differently in the new year? Use this quiet time to set out some ideas – big and small – to streamline or improve the way things are done in your workplace.  

Set 2012 career goals – Want a new job? A promotion? Then create a plan of attack. Those quiet hours in the office are your opportunity to figure out how to achieve your goals – 2012 is about taking the steps to realize your dreams, from taking a few courses to networking more.