Many people across the US are going back to work today after a long weekend thanks to Labor Day. Many Productivity & Work Experts recommend that you go back hitting the ground running. Here are some tips courtesy of New England Mobile to help you do just that.
Get to Work Early
When it comes to Labor Day, most people have time off. You won't be falling behind by coming in at your regular time however, coming in early is a great idea if you want to get ahead of the game and be productive as possible after a long weekend. Coming in a little early will mitigate the workload avalanche and give you a much needed head start.
Minimize Your To-Do List
One productivity tip I can provide from personal experience is that long unwieldy to-do lists are essentially useless. There is no better time to start cutting items from your list than the day you get back from a long weekend. "Now that you've spent a good bit away from your desk, you have tangible proof that those tasks you're always putting off aren't holding up your ceiling," freelance reporter Kevin Purdy writes in Fast Company.
Double Check Your Schedule
Don't forget to double-check your schedule. Remember, you will be dealing with a shorter work week than normal. Don't try to fit too many items onto your weekly schedule, or you might wind up burning yourself out.
Check In With People
Labor Day is a national holiday so most of your co-workers and clients will be getting back from a long weekend the same as you. Still, it is always a good idea to check in.
Micheal Kerr, international business speaker and the author of "The Humor Advantage", says, "Take the time to connect with one or two clients to let them know they're top of mind with you and that you're back if they need anything. It's a simple customer service touch point that can make a big impression."
Missing Monday can also sometimes mean missing a popular day for meetings within your company. Make sure you still put aside at least a few minutes to catch up with each other and make sure you are all on the same page after the long weekend.
Organize Your Inbox
Make sure you don't waste too much time responding to emails you missed over the long weekend
"It's easy to get sucked into the vortex of responding to every email without considering whether it's the best use of your time on the first day back," Kerr said. "Don't confuse email activity with productive work, so be strategic and only respond to emails that are time sensitive."
Focus On Work
Sometimes it can be tough to turn off your "work-brain" when you go home for the weekend but it is important. You do want to enjoy your time off. However, it is equally important to snap back into work mode once you return to the office. To be most productive you need to make the switch right away and avoid any unproductive dilly dallying after the long weekend.
