5 Things to Do This Month: January 2012

Happy New Year! With the new year comes excitement and optimism. It’s a great time to look back at 2011 and see what things you may want to improve on for 2012. To start the year right, here are these five things to do this January.

Get Organized
Believe it or not, January is the national month to get organized. The reason it was set aside as such is that it’s usually on every person’s New Year’s resolutions list. Starting the year right gives you the confidence and drive to reach new heights. The best way to do this is by getting rid of the clutter that may be slowing you or your office down. Check your file cabinets for old or out-of-date materials that could be disposed of or sent to storage. While you’re at it, revamp the way your office files or saves important documents. Making sure everything is ready for business lends itself to – well, good business.

Donate from the Heart
There are thousands of charities to give to, but there is one that doesn’t break the bank – the blood bank. Donating blood is a very rewarding endeavor that saves lives. Every single day, people are in need of this invaluable substance, and you have a chance to make a difference for someone in need. This month has been dubbed National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. If you are willing, this is a great New Year’s resolution to start. Visit Red Cross and use their zip code search engine to find a blood drive near you.

Prepare for Tax Season
Sure, it’s only January, but everyone knows April 15 creeps up on you like no one’s business. So to fight that inevitability, start preparing for it now. Make sure payroll has an updated spreadsheet of where W2s are being sent. Some employees may have moved or prefer to receive them at the office in order to be certain of possessing it. Encourage your office staff to take care of it when they receive their tax stubs instead of procrastinating. As well, be sure to make a list of all the information you need (i.e. proof of donations and other write-offs, tax stubs, etc.), and check off each item when you have received them. Do yourself a favor, nip the stress in the bud – before it gets you.

Schedule the Year
Getting your office organized is important, but it doesn’t stop there. Continue the organizational theme with the office’s schedule. As leaders, one of your best ways to manage is by achieving sound time management. Every employee has his or her own meetings and projects, as well as personal obligations. Have them make a tentative schedule of doctors’ appointments, holidays, and other items of which they know. This will help you schedule meetings and projects, which brings us to your part: make a tentative schedule of meetings, projects, events, office parties, and team building exercises. Planning ahead will help your employees know what you expect of them and keep you sane throughout the year.

National Fun at Work Day
Some people have a hard time balancing work and fun. In fact, some have just abandoned the fun part altogether. Obviously, the office is for work, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy what we do and have fun doing it. Jan. 27th is Fun at Work Day, and gives us an excuse to think of fun things to do with our employees. There are several benefits to fun activities and breaks at the office, including team building, relational growth, creative inspiration, and most importantly to recharge our batteries. Try and use this month as a catalyst to starting monthly outings with your team. Whether it is a quick game of Cranium in the conference room or a happy hour at your favorite restaurant, setting time aside to build relationships will help build success this new year.