Much like the rhythmic pulses that govern the natural world, the legal industry ebbs and flows in accordance with marked periods of calm and turbulence. Although the holiday season typically unfolds at a more sedate pace—due to widespread vacations and sparse court scheduling during Christmas and New Year’s— events unsurprisingly take a more frenzied turn as soon as the calendar flips to its next iteration. The very second day of January, in fact, traditionally ranks as one of the busiest on record for attorneys. Above The Law spotlights several key strategies legal professionals can utilize to manage the accompanying post-holiday flurry more effectively.
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Deferring Assignments: Long-term projects or assignments that do not come with a firm deadline can be conveniently pushed back during the industrious week following New Year’s Day. Similarly, routine check-ins with other attorneys and stakeholders can be postponed until the initial chaos of the new year has settled.
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Delayed Communications: January 2 is notorious for inundating legal professionals with a tidal wave of calls and messages, overwhelming their capacity to respond. By holding off on initiating communications until later in the day, attorneys contribute to a more evenly balanced workload and minimize the risk of important matters slipping through the cracks.
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Respecting Personal Time: Many employees prefer to extend their time off into the 2nd January, and this can actually prove beneficial to companies. Advocating for extended rest periods can not only help employees avoid the high costs associated with travel during peak holiday season, but also show leniency and understanding which can boost employee morale significantly.
All factors considered, both employers and employees can anticipate a surge in business activity as people return to the derivative grind post holidays. However, with a little consideration and strategic decision-making, this impending tidal wave of responsibility can be made manageable, ensuring that the professional ecosystem continues sailing on smoother waters, come the New Year.