Can you believe 2012 is already over?! Which means it’s time to make those New Year’s resolutions. What is it going to be this year: exercise, eat more fruits and vegetables, take a vacation, or become more ‘green’? Let’s face it: sometimes these goals seem overwhelming, and more often than not they fall by the wayside. But why not set some realistic work-related goals this year that you know you can manage?
While the United States boasts an unparalleled diversity of cultures and customs, the American business calendar is traditionally orchestrated around the Christmas holiday – it’s customary for businesses to close for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The week in between is often a quiet time in the office. Many employees take vacation days, others may be working shortened hours, and everyone tends to have their minds on the holidays as much as on the work at hand.
The holiday season is one of the most wonderful times of year. But employees can struggle to stay focused as they try to juggle work responsibilities with their increased personal activities and stresses. According to The National Retail Federation, online shopping is set to reach nearly $96 billion dollars this year! With the almost-constant internet access available at most workplaces, as well as the proliferation of smart phones, the temptation to accomplish this online shopping during work hours (when gift recipients won’t be looking over their shoulder!) is often hard for some employees to resist.
Unbelievably, it is Thanksgiving time already. Some colleagues are already gone, headed off in various directions to gather with family and friends, eat too much good food, and watch too much football. Personally, I feel as if I just carved my pumpkin. And I still have Halloween candy. Admittedly, it’s that junky candy that always lingers too long because no one likes it. But still. How can it be Thanksgiving tomorrow?