This snow business means no business?
Much of the UK has been hit by snow this week, with roads and several public services such as schools closed, and many people have been unable to get to […]
Much of the UK has been hit by snow this week, with roads and several public services such as schools closed, and many people have been unable to get to work. And while it has meant a couple of unexpected days off work for a lot of us, there are probably several people out there panicking that they will never catch up with what’s been missed or that their organisation might completely fall apart without them. Hopefully we can set your minds at ease a little…
We’re all in the same (snow)boat
Remember that while you may be behind in your commitments, chances are that everyone else you deal with will be in exactly the same position – you’re not the only one who’ll be stressing about missed deadlines and unfulfilled objectives. And if you’re literally snowed in or have no physical way to get to work, even the strictest of superiors will understand and cut some slack.
When catching up with clients or colleagues, don’t be afraid to make a joke of the situation and suggest rearranging appointments when all parties are prepared. Getting that meeting in at the first possible date won’t help much if no-one’s had the opportunity to get themselves properly sorted for it. You won’t be the only one playing catch-up!
Make a plan
If you’re stranded at home with limited access to your workplace resources, one thing you can always do (which will also help you feel a lot better!) is make a plan for what to do when you’re finally back at work. Even if you have made it in to work but your clients and colleagues aren’t back up to full capacity yet, there are still things you can arrange and prioritise.
Start by making a list of the essentials – what needs to happen before anything else? What tasks are relying on input from another person? What are the secondary tasks? By focusing purely on the critical stuff and putting a plan in place to get it all done efficiently, you’ll be amazed at how much you’re able to catch up on.
And if all else fails, you can always make a start on some of those rainy day jobs – reorganising the stationery cupboard, anyone?
Enjoy it while you can!
They say a change is as good as a rest, and for those who my not be able to rest properly (given family or other commitments), there is always something positive to take from this current change in climate. Whether it’s building a snow man with friends or family, watching videos of various animals playing in the snow on the internet, or cranking up the heating and watching Netflix, hopefully even the, erm… coldest… of you will be able to enjoy something about it.
Those of you studying might enjoy the extra time it affords to get some learning or revision in, or be able to switch off for a couple of days to recharge your brain.
Whatever your situation, we hope you’re safe, warm and that things get back to normal as soon as possible.
