6 Tips for a Successful Workday

6 Tips for a Successful Workday

by Annice Sevett, Senior Assistant, INALJ Minnesota

 

AnniceSevettIt’s the end of your work day and you can’t wait to get out of there and on with your nighttime activities. You’re ready to turn off your computer and pack up your bag, but not so fast. Did you know that the key to a successful workday the next day is in the preparation you take the day before? To ensure you set yourself up for successful, follow these 6 things that you should always do before leaving work. You’ll be glad you did.

  1. Check your email one last time: We all check our work email pretty regularly, but before you leave check it one last time to make sure you don’t miss any pertinent emails you should answer before you leave for the night. Once you’ve checked your email, shut it down and vow not to  look at it until the next day.
  2. Clean up your desk: Take a few minutes at the end of the day and straighten up your desk. While it doesn’t have to be perfect, you should be able to come in the next day and know what the piles of papers are.
  3. Write out to-do list for the next day: There’s nothing like getting to work in the morning and not knowing where to start. Write out a to-do list before you leave while you’re still in the work mode. Prioritize actions based on importance so you know where you have to start the next day.
  4. Check schedule for the next day: Similar to making a to-do list, take a quick glance at your schedule for the next work day. This will ensure you have an idea of what is going on the next day and you’ll enter work more prepared for the day ahead.
  5. Record timesheet: If your place of work uses timesheets, write down your hours before you head out. This will save you the headache of trying to remember when you took lunch the day before, which can easily be lost in your mind.
  6. Set up the next crew for success: This is the most important step. If you are leaving the library before it is closed, check with those working the next shift to make sure they have everything they need for success. This shows employees that you care, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are leaving your workplace in good hands.