New Year's Resolutions for the Workplace in 2007

MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new job. More responsibility. That big raise. These are just some of the thoughts that cross the American worker’s mind as 2007 fast approaches and New Year’s resolutions take shape. So as the calendar winds down, Adecco – the world leader in workforce solutions – is offering ten resolutions to help workers get ahead in 2007 and realize greater job satisfaction.

“Taking a few minutes each day to review your goals or plans for the day can help you stay on track with your ambitions, be it getting a promotion, raise or finding that perfect new job or career.”

“There are some simple strategies that workers can incorporate into their mindset that will help them work more effectively, stay fresh and increase their opportunity for career success,” said Ray Roe, president of Adecco North America. “There’s no better time to reevaluate goals, set new ambitions, and change up some work habits so that 2007 can be an outstanding year professionally.”

10 resolutions for success in the New Year:

Rest up – Each year too many Americans do not take advantage of their allotted vacation time, ultimately resulting in stressed-out, over-worked and unproductive workers. Take time to plan and book your vacations (don’t forget to consult your office’s holiday schedule while planning) and look forward to your well-deserved days of rest and relaxation!
Rotate your workload – Sometimes work assignments can be tedious and challenging to accomplish. Instead of plugging away at that 20-page document for the sixth hour straight, take a break and shift to another assignment. You’ll use a different skill set, accomplish another task and approach your original task with fresh eyes when you return to it.
Re-evaluate your career path – What were you doing in your professional career six months ago? How about one year ago, two years, five, ten or twenty? Anytime is a good time to re-evaluate your current career path to see if you are on target with your professional goals. If you have gone astray from the course or haven’t defined your ambitions, plan out goals to achieve in the next six to twelve months.
Reconnect with your co-workers – Large companies have reputations for being so large that you may never meet that person you correspond with daily via email. Even if you work at a small-sized company, it can be extremely easy to not interact with your colleagues. Take time while getting that morning cup of coffee or as you pass in the hallway to say ‘hello’ and to catch up on what they’re doing – in person.
Ramp up your skills – We’ve all had it happen, your computer is giving you trouble, or you’re not sure how to effectively present your project at an upcoming meeting. Make the most of these situations by aiming to improve at least one of your skills. Pick up a self-help book or attend a lecture or seminar to better prepare you for your next challenge at work.
Romance yourself at work – What is it about your work or career that you enjoy or absolutely love doing? Think about what tasks give you the most satisfaction and strive to work more towards those items, on a daily basis, or as part of the grander scheme of your career as a whole. There’s no reason not to be happy when you do your job, especially if you enjoy doing it. In a temporary rut? Order a bouquet of flowers for your desk or buy an inspirational or picturesque calendar.
Recipe for a happy and healthy worker – Balancing your work and personal life is a challenging task, but by taking steps everyday you can provide a better balance to your life. Take advantage of work-life balance opportunities such as telecommuting if your company offers it. Take your full lunch break – grab lunch at your favorite restaurant or take a walk. Schedule at least one “fun” activity with a friend during the week such as having coffee or seeing a movie.

Request help – Even the most super-productive and independent individual needs help from time to time. If you’re in a tight spot, be it a tight deadline or an unfamiliar task, be sure to ask for assistance. Make sure your employer is aware of your situation. It’s best to explain the situation you are in as it is happening than waiting to deliver an item late or incomplete.
Retain your professional connections – It can be helpful to remember those people who have helped you find your current job or provided professional guidance to you throughout your career. Maintaining professional contacts and connections helps keep your network strong and provides a solid base for future reference. Write an email, call or make an appointment to catch up with old acquaintances.
Remember it’s all about you! – While others can help you down your career path and with your professional development; remember it’s up to you to take the lead. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied at work, determine what it is about your work you are unhappy with. If possible, make or request small changes in your current job to make your work more appealing. If that is not possible, you may want to consider changing jobs or careers altogether.

“Whatever you resolve to do in 2007, remember that lots of small steps result in great leaps,” says Ray Roe. “Taking a few minutes each day to review your goals or plans for the day can help you stay on track with your ambitions, be it getting a promotion, raise or finding that perfect new job or career.”

ADECCO WORLDWIDE:

Adecco S.A. is a Fortune 500 company and the global leader in HR services. The Adecco Group network connects over 700,000 associates with business clients each day through its network of over 33,000 employees and 6,600 offices in over 70 countries and territories around the world. Registered in Switzerland, and managed by a multinational team with expertise in markets spanning the globe, the Adecco Group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffing and career resources to corporate clients and qualified associates.

ADECCO NORTH AMERICA:

Adecco is the workforce solutions leader in the United States and Canada, with a comprehensive service offering that includes temporary and contract staffing, permanent recruitment, outplacement and career services, training and consulting.

Adecco operates the following specialty divisions in the U.S. and around the world: Adecco Office; Adecco Industrial; Adecco Engineering & Technical; Adecco Human Capital Solutions; Adecco Finance; Adecco Legal; Adecco Information Technology; Adecco Medical & Science; and Adecco Government Solutions.

Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH001213860) and listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange with trading on virt-x (SWX/VIRT-X: ADEN), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ADO) and Euronext Paris - Premier Marché (EURONEXT: ADE).

Additional information is available at the company’s website at www.adeccousa.com.