Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

Struggling to find ways to fill your working days between Christmas and New Year? Here are six jobs to tick off your list

By Ernest Richardson

Ah, the dreaded in-between time. Christmas is finished and you’re slowly digesting your mammoth servings of turkey and trifle before gearing up for the rigours of seeing in the New Year.

But, thanks to workplace politics and the vagaries of annual leave arrangements, you find yourself in the office for three whole days. And let’s be honest, with so many businesses shut down or running a skeleton staff, there’s not an awful lot to do.

...let’s be honest, with so many businesses shut down or running a skeleton staff, there’s not an awful lot to do.  

Don’t waste these valuable days. Use them wisely and you can get ahead of the New Year before it’s even begun. That way, when your colleagues return to work on 2 January, you’ll be sitting pretty with an empty in-tray and a stress-free start to the year.

To help you make the most of your in-between days, here are six things to get done.

1. Tidy your inbox

Show me a person with a clean email inbox and I’ll show you, well, no one. Because, let’s be honest, all of us hang on to emails that needed deleting ages ago.

And some of us even have emails that need a response, but which we just haven’t got round to sorting.

Use these days when it’s a bit quieter to tidy your inbox. Be ruthless: delete anything you know you don’t really need any more. Respond to anything that needs dealing with. Then enjoy the feeling of a clean, crisp and lightweight inbox. It’ll soon fill up again.

Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year2. Deal with the jobs you’ve been putting off

You know that report you promised your boss sometime in November? Or the staff survey that you’ve been putting off completing?

Now’s the time to get these jobs ticked off your list. They may not be the most exciting way to spend your post-Christmas working days, but they will stop you getting bored. And think how much brighter you’ll feel with a completely clear to-do list.

3. Sort your filing

What’s the one job that everyone hates? It’s got to be filing, right?

In many businesses, Friday afternoon was traditionally the time to catch up on filing. But modern working practices don’t seem to follow the same ebb and flow. Friday’s either don’t tail off, or tail off to such an extent that everyone goes home because they work flexi-time.

Chances are, then, that you have a stack of paperwork to sort, and this is the perfect opportunity to do it. You’ll probably find most of it can be filed in the bin. But wherever it ends up, imagine how much happier you’ll feel when you can see your desk again.

Give yourself some thinking space during the post-Christmas lull.  

4. Do an expenses claim

It’s crazy when you think about it: your employer owes you money for costs you’ve borne on their behalf. But you need to file an expenses claim to access it. And that’s a job that can easily be put to the bottom of your priority list when more time-sensitive demands start pressing.

So (you know where I’m going with this): get it done during the in-between time. Not only will it be a weight off your mind. It’ll also be a bit of additional bunce to see you through the New Year.

5. Take time to think

Modern life can be rubbish – or exceedingly stressful, at least. In the daily rub of office life, there is precious little time to let your creative or intellectual juices flow.

But we all know that this is when the good stuff happens. It’s why 3M lets employees spend 15 per cent of their time engaged in non-business-critical projects. It was in this 15 per cent that innovations like reflective number plates and Post-It notes were invented, which just goes to show what happens when your mind roams free.

Give yourself some thinking space during the post-Christmas lull. Take time to surf the net, following flights of fancy and diving into rabbit holes. Read that article you’ve had bookmarked for ages. Hang out on the Just Recruitment website and engage with the dizzying variety of content there.

However you do it, use this precious time when it’s quiet just to… think. Everyone benefits when you take a breath or two.

Without going overboard, use your quiet time to fire off a few words of thanks to deserving recipients.  

6. Send some thank you notes

After Christmas is the season for thank-you notes. But the ones you should be sending from the office aren’t to Great Aunt Agatha expressing gratitude for your new train set.

These ones are for colleagues: those who have gone the extra mile over the past 12 months. The people who have made your life easier, either by being ultra-efficient or extra helpful, or perhaps just because they’re great to be around.

A little bit of gratitude and encouragement can be a great motivator. It makes people feel valued, noticed, admired.

Without going overboard, use your quiet time to fire off a few words of thanks to deserving recipients. It’s sure to bring them cheer… especially if, like you, they’re stuck in the office while the rest of the world gorges Quality Street and watches reruns of old Bond movies.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Workplace dilemmas: I just can’t help falling in love
How to communicate with your employees

 

Published: 19 December 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

Part-Time Finance Manager
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913741
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a growing, sector-leading business in Sudbury that is looking for a Part-Time Finance Manager to join their team.

The key purpose of this role is to manage the Finance Department and to support senior management in all areas of finance and accounting, reporting directly to the MD and being responsible for an Accounts Assistant.

Key duties include:

  • Reconciling current accounts on SAGE.
  • Updating the cash flow spreadsheet and reviewing.
  • Loading purchase invoices onto SAGE and distributing them for approval.
  • Producing Balance of Accounts for Finance Meeting.
  • Reviewing the sales ledger and purchase ledger.
  • Compiling supplier invoices, reviewing and loading for payment via Bacs, updating SAGE and sending remittance advice.
  • Managing SAGE backups.
  • Reconciling all bank accounts against paper statements.
  • Loading credit card payments onto SAGE and reconciling against the paper statement.
  • Calculating commission figures for payroll.
  • Processing wages – gathering all timesheets and expenses, compiling and sending to an outsourced company, receiving documents and payslips back, loading Bacs payments and sending payslips and loading Journals onto SAGE.
  • Downloading monthly supplier invoices.
  • Creating monthly sales invoices.
  • Compiling and filing VAT returns.
  • Compiling required documents for accountants at the financial year end, processing SAGE year-end end and communicating as necessary with accountants
  • Managing commercial and vehicle insurance. Reviewing current circumstances, reassessing cover and requirements, and supplying supporting documents.
  • All property management tasks with support from the Accounts Assistant.
  • Reconciling rental payments from the agent’s statement.
  • Communicating with and managing tenants when required.
  • Supporting other departments as required.

This is a part-time role - working 20 - 25 hours per week - this role is office-based, and the ideal candidate will be able to work Tuesdays and Thursdays, but hours can be flexible.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a lovely business, with a great ethos and a long-standing team.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Field Service Engineer (North West Region)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Competitive
Location: North West
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913740
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing, industry-leading business seeking to add a Field Service Engineer to its team. This role will cover the North West region, including Manchester, Lancashire, and the surrounding areas.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the installation, commissioning, service, repair, breakdown, and maintenance of the company’s range of capital equipment across a variety of environments in the North West.

Duties include:

  • Installation, commissioning, maintenance, and fault finding of a wide range of different manufactured and third‐party equipment.
  • Provide user training to end clients when required.
  • Provide feedback to customers on any issues raised during a commissioning, maintenance, or fault‐finding visit.

To be considered for this exciting role, you must be able to demonstrate a background working in a field service or technical support role, gained within a capital equipment environment. You should be qualified to a minimum of level 3 or above in electrical installation/engineering/maintenance or another relevant technical discipline with 3 years’ experience. Alternatively, a gold card electrician would be considered along with 2391 testing and inspection.

Applicants are welcome from a wide range of equipment backgrounds.

You must have impeccable customer service skills and a confident and professional manner in customer-facing environments.

Key requirements include:

  • Previous experience in performing in a technical field service team.
  • Clear and concise written and spoken communication skills.
  • Ability to present information in a structured and balanced way.
  • Good working knowledge of Word and Excel.
  • Ability to work as part of a team.
  • Positive ‘can‐do’ attitude.
  • Problem solver ‐ ability to engineer solutions on the job.
  • Ability to work and manage in a high‐pressure environment.
  • Work autonomously, taking initiative to resolve customer issues.
  • Willing to travel and work unsociable hours when needed.
  • Some overnight stays are required.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class organisation.

You will be:

  • Joining a national team of Field Service personnel who take great pride in their work and who aim to build upon long-term relationships with customers.
  • Continually challenged as you are exposed to new technologies.
  • You will receive constant support and guidance from senior management, and your technical knowledge will be enhanced through training courses.

For those with the desire, there are opportunities to progress your career within the department and into the wider company.

In return, you will benefit from dedicated product training, recognised by the industry, which will run on an ongoing basis as new products are introduced. A generous remuneration package is also guaranteed, including a competitive salary, company healthcare package, contributory pension scheme, phone, and laptop, along with the opportunity to progress your career within a market-leading organisation.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Electrical Maintenance Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB25
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Maintenance Engineer for a company based in Tiverton, Devon.

You will need to have an electrical bias and ideally have experience in an industrial or manufacturing environment.

The key objective of this role is to support the efficient operation of production facilities.

This includes:

  • Conducting regular safety inspections.
  • Performing both preventative and reactive maintenance on CNC machinery, and maintaining all site electrical systems.
  • Identifying and implementing improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and manage external contractors and maintenance resources.
  • Experience with CNC machinery is essential as a significant part of the role involves performing preventative and reactive maintenance on CNC machinery, including diagnostics and repair of control systems (Fanuc, Siemens, Hurco), and overseeing calibrations.
  • The role will also involve installation, testing, and maintenance of site electrical systems, including EV chargers.
  • Diagnosing and repairing electrical faults within machinery and control systems.
  • Overseeing machine calibrations and alignments.
  • Experience with PLC control systems.

Qualifications:

An electrical engineering qualification such as City & Guilds, HNC/HND, or equivalent is essential.

Hours:

39 hour working week: Monday to Thursday, 7am - 4pm and Friday 7am - 12pm.

This role offers Excellent Benefits, including:

  • 25 days holiday per annum, plus bank holidays
  • Company contributions to pension.
  • Healthcare cashback scheme.
  • Free on-site parking.
  • Opportunities for overtime at a premium rate.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Material Process Technician
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB24
About the role

Just Recruitment is recruiting for a Material Process Technician for their client based in Braintree, Essex.

Preference will be given to candidates with a background in science, chemistry or materials.

Duties will involve:

  • The production of technical data sheets.
  • Inspection of materials and evaluate product specifications.
  • Manufacturing materials and product samples for internal or customer use.
  • Monitoring and managing stock levels of raw materials and compounds.
  • Assisting in R&D.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Service Centre Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Saxham, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913739
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded business based near Bury St. Edmunds to recruit a Service Centre Administrator to their team.

You will be responsible for booking in all the products that enter the warehouse.

Duties include:

  • Unloading any delivery vehicle, ensuring all products are booked in using the correct product codes during the intake process, and highlighting discrepancies.
  • Advising the Service Centre Supervisor of any products booked in for special attention.
  • Maintaining a clean working area, including IT equipment, to ensure a high level of Health and Safety is present.
  • Providing details on the progress of repairs when requested by Customer Care.
  • Processing Return to Stock (RTS) in accordance with the correct process.
  • Working at a timely pace to ensure that sufficient repairs are available for the engineering workshop
  • Completing manual warehouse-oriented tasks, including lifting potentially heavy items, in line with the department’s needs.
  • Working towards an FLT licence, preferably Counterbalance, in line with the department’s needs.
  • Maintaining customer delivery spreadsheets.

Skills/Qualifications requirements:

  • Good English verbal and written communication skills.
  • Able to lift heavy product items.
  • Ability to work on your own initiative and be a decision maker within the scope of the role.
  • You need to have an eye for detail, be accurate and diligent at all times.
  • Able to develop product knowledge.
  • Take responsibility for the work produced and be proactive to ensure deadlines are met. Intuitive, working transparently if there is any delay.
  • Able to drive a PPT, Counterbalance (Desirable).

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Production Operative
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £26,800 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913737
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing global organisation, based on the outskirts of Sudbury - they are looking for a skilled Production Operator to join their team.

You must be willing to learn new skills and to work in a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, including undertaking comprehensive training to enable you to take part in tasting panels. Full training on the use of specialist equipment will be provided.

Key duties in this role include:

  • Handle ingredients on an industrial scale
  • Operate lines as required by the business
  • Undertake packaging, storage and distribution tasks
  • Maintaining accurate records in line with the required standards and customer requirements
  • Maintaining high standards of hygiene
  • Working closely with Operational, Logistics and other business teams to maximise production quality and efficiency
  • Uphold exceptional Health and Safety standards
  • Build a comprehensive knowledge of ingredients and processes to ensure production meets customer requirements

Skills required for this role:

  • The ability to follow written instructions and perform basic calculations
  • Previous experience of working to robust quality standards and following procedures
  • The ability to communicate with colleagues at all levels and confident to escalate any issues to ensure quality and safety
  • Strong computer literacy – e.g. able to input data, confirm settings on machinery and produce reports with training
  • Conscientious with strong attention to detail

Working hours for this role are:

3 Rotating Shifts (14.00 – 22.00; 06.00 – 14.00; 22.00 – 06.00; Monday – Friday, rotating weekly)

Free parking is available onsite and due to the company location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more