Closing shop for Christmas
It’s coming to the end of the year, days are short, the weather is miserable and colds are spreading like wildfire. In short, we could all do with a break, so a few days off with friends and family will be just the ticket to revitalise us for the New Year. However, a few words of warning, poor planning before the holidays often leads to the New Year beginning with more of a bust than a bang. So just like St Nick, before you close up your office, you should make a list and check it twice. Here’s one I prepared earlier to get you started:
1. Make sure that all client work has been completed, or if this is not possible, that you have agreed new deadlines for the New Year. No one likes to come back to host of angry emails/answer phone messages from irate customers.
2. Make sure that all of your work is organised for your first week back so that you don’t get hit with any nasty surprises when you’re trying to ease yourself back into ‘work mode’.
3. It may be a good idea to nominate someone from your office to keep tabs on emails or be on call in case of an emergency.
4. Make sure that you have contact details for all key members of staff in case of emergencies.
5. Let any key clients/suppliers know that your office will be closed and provide them emergency contact details just in case.
6. Turn on your ‘out of office’ and answer phone and if possible add a note to your website, including information such as when your office will reopen, emergency contact details and if your email is being checked or not.
7. Ensure that any outstanding invoices/bills have been paid so that you don’t run into cash flow troubles in the New Year.
8. Make sure that all computers and lights are turned off so that you don’t run up the electricity bill.
9. Enjoy your time off!
