Spring Cleaning at Work

Spring is practically upon us. (Hold for collective sigh of relief) We’ve all done our fair share of spring cleaning in the past in our homes. Why stop there? This is a time of renewal. Why does New Year’s corner the market on reassessing life and goals? Let’s go for it now and in the place that more than likely needs it most, our working world. This isn’t about physical cleaning. Though, that can’t hurt. This is about much bigger and broader, maybe even life-changing ideas.

Rethink Your Ways

We in HR know that we’ve spent years handling a challenge in a certain way. For a variety of reasons, be they legal, personal preference or otherwise. Let’s take a look at those approaches every once and a while and question them. Spring seems like a great time to do so. Our maternity/paternity policy is X. Why? Why isn’t it something completely different? Could it do more for the organization and it’s people if we changed it? Look at the old standards and really dig into whether or not they are doing you and your employees justice.

Check Your Environment

Though this could also mean the space around you, I’m thinking people. Are you working with negative people who suck the life out of you? Why? You aren’t trapped. You have control over how you respond to that person and sometimes if you continue to choose to interact with them. Or, let’s be realistic, if you continue to work there with them. If changing jobs isn’t an option, arm yourself with tools to prevent their negativity from impacting you. While you’re at it, find new cohorts within your organization or outside of it, who see the light. Finding a crew of folks who have similar interests that help inspire you can be really uplifting. We could all use a little of that.

Education Is Key

Teach someone! Every time you do so, you gain more knowledge yourself. Or perhaps you could ask to be a fly on the wall on a project you’ve never had any involvement in? Join something new and soak it all in. You never know if a conversation that comes up in that meeting will spark a thought in your brain that’s a solution to a completely different challenge. Getting your learn on can impact you in ways you’re not even aware of.

Go for a Walk

Pretty novel concept here, I know. It’s nice out at least more often than not once spring has sprung. Go outside and take advantage of it. You’ll feel better both mentally and physically, which will in turn impact your ability to contribute at work. Also, why go it alone? I’m a big fan of the walking meeting. You get some Vitamin D, solve a challenge and help someone else do those things as well. Wins all around.

Revisit Goals

What seemed like a great area of focus in January may not be in March. Remind yourself and your teams of goals. Have check ins and revise as needed. A quick regroup can help to light a fire under all of us.

The suggestions above seem great if we could only find the time to do them. In reality, many of you will say there’s no way I can make that change or find the time to even think about it. That’s where I say; you certainly won’t with that attitude. Give it a shot. It couldn’t hurt and the upside could be amazing.