Make Monday Productive.

Do you have “big plans” this weekend??For some, there is a day dedicated to relaxing on the sand or a fun party to attend. For others, a stress-inducing series of competitive little league games lie ahead. And for the rest, a long list of “honey-dos” or errands to run may be on the weekend agenda.

Recent studies show a decrease in the amount of sleep happening in the US on?Sunday nights . This decrease can potentially be attributed to several factors, one being the feeling of stress caused by the prospect of returning to work on Monday. Makes me wonder if a "bad weekend" sounds better than a "good Monday" to some.

In truth, work is?work.?It is not playtime. Work is the time and place to accomplish income-inducing goals at, or above, the level of quality expected by the company. In return, you earn a paycheck that allows you to enjoy the life you lead outside the office. You may or may not relish every aspect of what you do, where you do it, or who you do it with, and that’s OK; after all, it’s?work.

Since work is a place most people associate with a?“no fun zone”, ?just saying the word "work" out loud can lead to an instant feeling of stress.

The thought of returning there after a glorious 48 hours away is what people have termed the “Sunday Scaries .” The phenomenon and its effects on employees are real. But do they need to be? And, even further, do they need to be so intense that employees have created the term “Bare Minimum Mondays”? Optimistically, with the right talent-centric plan in place, the answer is a resounding NO.

I am happy to share successfully tested actions?you can use to make the?Sunday Scaries?a thing of the past at your company. These actions will help alleviate newly popularized terms such as “Bare Minimum Mondays”, “Try-less Tuesdays”, “Work-not Wednesdays”, “Thumb-Your-Nose Thursdays”, and even “Fool-Around Fridays.” With terms like these floating around the interwebs, it is a wonder that any real?work is getting done at all!

For me, Monday represents a fresh start to the week. It is the day when the slate from the previous week is wiped clean. It is a day of new beginnings.?—?Allen Smith, American Author

A great manager can create an environment where staff feel appreciated and supported.?There are many ways to accomplish this, but for improving Mondays in general, here are a few tactics for leaders to use:

1. Be clear about goals, deadlines, and expectations. Regularly check in on progress and assess the situation with your employees to encourage better dialogue, prevent minor mishaps from becoming larger ones, and also grow their trust.
2. Remind employees to use their PTO. Your workers will be more productive and less burnt out if they utilize their time off to relax outside of the office for longer than a weekend.
3. Practice gratitude for achievement often. Perhaps send out “Thank You” notes via email on Monday mornings as part of your routine to start YOUR week off right. This will also give employees something to look forward to at the beginning of their week.

It’s your responsibility to create positivity around your job.?With that in mind, here are a few tactics for employees:

1. Organize your desk, tie up loose ends, and draft a clear set of achievable goals on Fridays so your Monday to-dos are prepared and reasonable.
2. Include time for relaxing, fun, and productivity during your weekend. This will help you feel that you made the most of your time. Even though it may feel shorter than it is, you can also look forward to the next one coming up!
3. If you need different work hours or responsibilities, talk to your manager about possible changes to improve your outlook at the office.
4. Book “fun” meetings or save your favorite tasks of the week for Mondays. This will give you something to look forward to as your weekend comes to a close.

Like in other areas of life, each person’s work preferences, goals, and needs will vary. The right strategy for your organization to reach consistent success will differ from any other company’s strategy.

At Vertical Elevation, I aim to guide you as you draft and implement an effective plan for your business. Take a moment to book an?exploratory call ?with me today.

Let’s RiSE together,

Carol

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