Transitioning from Summer to Fall: Navigating Workplace Changes
As the days get shorter and the air is cooler, the transition from summer to fall brings changes to the workplace. The relaxed days of summer are no more, and managers want employees to step up as new projects begin. The focus is now deadlines, 4th quarter goals and thinking ahead to the new year.
Here are some fun and practical tips to ease the transition:
Seasonal Upgrade to Productivity: Start your mornings with a new routine; music, walking or audiobook. Change your summer iced tea for a pumpkin latte or apple cider.
Create your Fall Bucket List: Why wait until your retirement years for a bucket list? Make goal-setting fun such as completing a creative goal by Halloween, three networking meetings by Thanksgiving and learn a new skill by the first snowfall. Share your accomplishments at your next holiday meal.
Stress Less and Laugh More: Inject some humor at work. Try to see the funny side of things. Listen to your favorite comedian while commuting to work or on your lunch break. Spend less time online and plan a quick fun activity.
Rekindle Your Passion for Work: Find fun and creative ways to reconnect with what you love about your job. This can be a challenge if you are tired of your job. It can be helpful to try to make the best of your current job until you get a better opportunity. Is there something that you have wanted to do such as work on a new project, create digital programs, make the company website more interesting, or write in the company newsletter? Approach your manager with ideas and communicate that new projects will not interfere with your core responsibilities.
To Stay Or To Go In 2024: No….we are not talking about the November election, but what stays or goes in terms of clearing your office, home and electronic clutter. Start small with simple steps and specific areas of your space versus doing too much at one time. Coordinate with friends or play music while you do this. Have a party afterwards.
As we embrace the change of seasons with a fresh perspective, you can utilize this transitional time as an opportunity to reconnect with your job in creative and energizing ways.
Kay Gimmestad, LCSW-C is a business coach and clinician in New York City with 20 years of experience working in the profit and not for profit sectors of Human Resources, Health and Human Services. She has built a reputation for being highly skilled in facilitating behavior change while working with employees, both individually and in groups, on matters relating to performance management, substance abuse, crisis intervention, and stress/wellness.
