How to Take Advantage of Your Downtime
The reality is that there will be fast and slow periods of time and months at work. Some days will be busier than others and once in a while you’ll have a little extra down time on your hands. It’s better to always look and be busy than having your employer think you don’t have enough to do.
It’s in your best interest to be productive with your downtime than it is to simply play on the Internet and not get anything done. While it’s good to take breaks once in a while, sitting around bored at work also isn’t very beneficial to you or your career. There are activities you can be doing to better yourself and pass the time so that you’re not becoming disengaged and unhappy at your workplace.
Update Your CV
It’s never a bad idea to have your CV or resume updated and ready to go should you need to send it off. You never know when an opportunity may arise for you to work someplace else and make more money. Take time to learn tips and tricks from LiveCareer about how to build your CV properly so you can get noticed by potential employers. You’ll thank yourself for keeping on top of this task versus having to rush around and quickly do it all in one day or night.
Get Organized
You can also spend your downtime at work, getting better organized both online and offline. Use this as an opportunity to clean and tidy your desk and workspace so it’s less cluttered. Also, hop online and get rid of files you don’t need and rearrange the ones you do use into labeled folders. This way, when you do get busier, you’ll be organized and ready to hit the ground running instead of feeling flustered and out of sorts.
Contact Your Clients
Your customers and clients should be the most important aspect to you at your job. When you have some downtime at work it’s a good chance to reconnect with them or answer inquiries you’ve been putting off. Get in touch with them and ask for feedback about how you and your company have been performing or simply take the time to thank them for their business. This is your chance to catch up on all the tasks you’ve been pushing aside for another day and to show your clients how much they mean to you.
Offer to Help Others
You can also use your downtime at work to reach out and help others who need it. They’ll likely remember you doing so and will return the favor someday when you’re bogged down with a lot of tasks and need assistance. You’ll be helping out your team, being a good coworker and building trust with others without any pressure. This is because the work you will be assisting with won’t be your whole responsibility. This is also your opportunity to take your time and improve your skills in areas you’ve wanted to learn more about at work.
