Working during the Christmas holidays can feel stressful for many, especially for those run their own businesses. Balancing the 24/7 demands of running a business with family obligations is often a recipe for disrupted work routines and a hefty dose of guilt.
With some thoughtful planning and clear boundaries, it’s entirely possible to keep your business on track, manage family commitments, and enjoy the festive season. Here are my top tips for managing your time and setting healthy boundaries to make the most of your winter working experience – whatever your situation.
Plan your holiday booking process (even with a small team)
If you manage a team, clear communication about holiday leave is crucial. Uncoordinated time off can disrupt project timelines, customer service, or essential financial tasks like payroll. To avoid these issues, start the conversation early. Collaborate with your team to create a holiday schedule that minimises service interruptions and allows time to bring in temporary support if necessary.
As a business owner, I recommend taking at least one proper holiday break each year- it’s essential for recharging. When I take time off, I rely on tools like ClickUp for project management. This helps my team coordinate leave throughout the year and adjust project deadlines accordingly. It also builds in time for effective handovers.
Want to learn more about why taking a break is vital? Check out my blog on the topic here.
Creat Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for team coverage
SOPs are a game-changer when it comes to managing team absences. Documenting your processes ensures that anyone can step in and cover tasks smoothly while another team member is on leave. If you haven’t started yet, now is a great time to create these. They’ll save you heaps of time not just during the holidays but also when on-boarding new team members.
Set clear boundaries between work and personal life
Working from home makes it easy for work and personal life to blur together – especially during the holidays when family, friends and festivities demand your attention. To stay balanced, establish clear boundaries.
Set specific working hours for the holiday period, even if they’re different from your usual routine, and stick to them as much as possible. Turn off work-related notifications outside of these hours, and carve out daily time to relax and enjoy the season. Whether it’s a winter walk, a festive film, or some quality time with loved ones, these moments will help you recharge and stay productive.
Adopt a CEO morning routine for winter success
A well-structured morning routine can set the tone for a productive day, even amidst holiday distractions. According to Forbes, a strong morning routine is a must for business leaders, and I wholeheartedly agree. While your routine may vary depending on whether your children are home for the holidays, here are three key elements I recommend:
- Plan Your Day: Take 10 minutes each morning to map out your priorities. Keep your expectations realistic and focus on what’s truly achievable.
- Take Care of Yourself: Start your day with a healthy breakfast, a bit of exercise, and a few moments of mindfulness. Looking after your physical and mental health is non-negotiable.
- Stay Connected with Your Team: Dedicate 30 minutes to touch base with your team. Whether through a quick virtual stand-up or a round-robin check-in on Slack, consistent communication keeps everyone aligned during the festive period.
Make the most of your winter working experience
By applying these tips, you can successfully manage your business and personal responsibilities during the winter holidays. Time management and clear boundaries are key – with some organization and self-discipline, you’ll have time to get everything done and savor the season.
What are your favorite strategies for staying productive during the winter holidays? Share your tips in the comments below!
If you’re struggling to organise your business or find the space and energy to implement these tips, then why not book into one of my 90-minute strategy sessions to help you get started – a laser-focused deep-dive into your business where I work with you to find workable solutions for the issues that are holding you back. You can book your session online now.
