How to Avoid the January Back-to-Work Blues

Question: what do health food stores, gyms and recruitment agencies have in common? Not sure? Give up? Answer: they’re all incredibly busy in January.

What Are the January Back-to-Work Blues?

Every year, it’s the same. Christmas holidays arrive and thoughts of the workplace disappear. We eat, we relax, we see friends and family. Then, it happens: New Year celebrations come to an end. The January back to work blues hit hard. After hours of thinking about what you did (or didn’t) achieve in the previous year, the resolutions begin.

When it comes to work-related resolutions, many of us decide to focus on getting that dream job, reducing work-related stress, achieving a better work-life balance, getting to the office early, not putting off those boring tasks... the list goes on. We put pressure on ourselves to achieve our goals asap. And you know what that means, right? Extra back to work stress that we just don't need... all before we even get to the office. *Sigh*

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could avoid the January back-to-work blues altogether? Wouldn’t it be incredible if you could start the new year knowing that you’re already on the right track? Well, you can. We’ve put together a few of our favourite blog posts, packed full of great advice and tips, to help you create January back-to-work happiness. Hooray!

However, be warned: there's no quick fix for the January blues. The only way to make amazing things happen for January is to start working on it all now. Yes, now!

How to avoid the January back-to-work blues

We’ve got a pawful of great tips for everyone. From job seekers and hiring superstars to those of us after career guidance or extra workplace happiness.

For the Job Seeker

In need of a new challenge? Guilty of continually putting off your job search... or planning to start it in January (along with everyone else!)? Why not beat the competition, secure your dream role now and start it in early 2017?

Or are you ready for a change, but not sure exactly what you want to do?

Fear not – whatever your situation, the pandas are here to help. Here's some recommended reading to help you get things started:

• How long does it really take to find – and start – a new digital job?
• New job, new industry: how easy is it to change industries?
• #CareerCounsel: Are you really ready for a promotion?
• #CareerCounsel meets #PandaPounds: Leaving your role, part 1
• #CareerCounsel: how to know which brand is right for you
• For your consideration: how to get the most from your job ad
• Job titles and your career history
• #CareerCounsel not getting your dream role
• 5 interview preparations you shouldn’t forget

For Team Leaders & HR Superstars

Putting off making key hires until January? Already stressing about your 2017 workload? Not sure who you need to hire? Worried about employee retention? Or just want to help your team create more workplace happiness?

Pandas to the rescue! We’ve paw-picked a few of our favourite hiring & HR posts to help you make the new year your best year yet!

• #PandaPounds: Hiring eCommerce professionals
• The way to a high performing team
• How to make time for the hiring process
• Tips to help you hire the right candidate
• Employee work-life balance: tips for managers
• How to supercharge your hiring process
• #PandaPounds How do eCommerce Professionals Really Feel about Overtime?
• 5 Panda Pointers: How to show your team you appreciate them
• Team Management: Encouraging Effective Communication

Seeking Career Guidance or Some Extra Workplace Happiness?

Our #CareerCounsel and #PandaPointers posts aren’t just for people who want a new job! They cover topics that help you achieve that big promotion, ask for a pay rise and make your work day more efficient.

Here are a few of our most popular posts from the last 12 months:

• How can you be more effective in the workplace?
• How to boost productivity and happiness in 10 days
• 5 Panda Pointers: How to switch off on your holiday
• #CareerCounsel: Can you turn down a promotion?
• 5 Panda Pointers: How to manage your work tasks
• #CareerCounsel: Is it your time to ask for a pay rise?
• 5 Panda Pointers: How to Organise the Best Team Brainstorm