Why not apply some New Year’s resolutions to your business as well?

So, 2019 has come to a close amid a whirlwind of parties, preparations – and the odd bit of work in between. Alongside this frantic month, many of us are already thinking ahead to 2020, New Year’s resolutions and some personal Insta-ready improvement. Come 1st January, we’ll spring out of bed at 6am, down a litre of cold-pressed celery juice and pull on our running shorts for an early-morning 10k run (a pre-cursor to that marathon later in the year). Sadly, plans like these tend to have a habit of not working out the way we originally intended. So why not concentrate on more manageable goals, apply the resolution model to our professional lives, and think of ways to improve the work environment instead?

Ban the barrage

We all know what it’s like: we get into work early, determined to tackle that tricky task only to be overwhelmed by an onslaught of emails that swallow up the rest of the morning. There are a number of ways to combat this: unsubscribe from timewasting marketing emails and information you just don’t need to know (let’s face it: is that 10% off lunch voucher really going to have a major impact on your finances?).  Many email services like Gmail also offer a “pause inbox” option for when you need to concentrate without disruption. And for the truly hardcore: simply switch off the Wi-Fi and get down to it. You’ll be surprised how quickly real tasks can be completed without constant distraction.

Streamline the setting

As far as ideas to improve workplace environment go, there’s a lot to be said for a well-ordered office when it comes getting stuff done. Part one is practical, and it involves removing the “barriers to entry” that have the potential to impede a productive day. You want to hit the ground running, not spend half an hour hooking up the printer and another 30 minutes connecting to the server. It’s also unlikely that a cluttered computer (or actual) desktop will instil the feeling you’re on top of your brief and ready to leave competitors trailing in your wake. So get and stay organised by filing things as soon as they’re created, and make sure everything works as it should before getting down to business. This resolution naturally includes one of the most important pieces of office equipment known to man – the kettle.

Make it magical

Never underestimate the importance of a bright, inspiring environment for promoting wellbeing and managing workplace negativity, especially when our professional lives take up so much of the week. Millennials – the largest demographic in the workforce – have come to recognise this, which is one reason why surveys show they prioritise an attractive working environment (and a better work/life balance) over more established concerns like salary. Whether it’s a cheery coffee shop or a blinding coworking space that works best for your business, the right environment sets the tone. In the latter case, a smart office can also act as an ambient branding message: it sends a signal to clients and employees that not only is business going well but also that you value their time and where they spend it.

Brand your business

Speaking of branding, why not take some time over the Christmas break to stop and think about the overarching purpose of your business? How is your product or service performing? Is it the one you’re most proud of, or is there room for improvement? And if you’re happy with it, is it being marketed in the most effective way? Or might the New Year call for a new approach? The answers to all these questions fall under the banner of how your business is perceived as a brand, so spending a day or two in quiet contemplation can pay dividends. Thinking of a plan for how you might want to refresh your offer is a great way to start a new decade refreshed, reinvigorated and raring to go (and it might also provide some welcome respite from the endless repeats on TV).

 Reap the rewards

Situated somewhere between nudge theory and the old-fashioned carrot-and-stick approach, resolutions become a whole lot easier to stick to when there are rewards involved. After all, what’s the point of everything if you’re not going to enjoy it? If it’s just you, make time to down tools after a task well done and see that exhibition you’ve been thinking about. If there are colleagues to consider, think of ways you might motivate them too. These can range from little things, like buying a round of coffees and cakes to ward off the dark days of January, to an all-expenses-paid team getaway in a location that’s guaranteed to beat the winter blues (long weekend in Miami, anyone?). Whatever you choose to do, from tiny treat to blow-the-budget, is an expression of thanks that shows you care and makes everyone feel good.

Whether your brand resolutions are realistic or not, the fact that you’re setting them in the first place reveals a conscious moment of clarity – and that’s a good start. Sometimes it’s the inconvenient truths that need to be dealt with, and other times it’s the small quality-of-life improvements that can mean so much to employees. Whatever you decide to do, make it count for you and your business – and bring on 2020!

Make your resolutions count: check out our magazine page for interesting stories about improving your business