She Strengthens

Staying Productive During Downtime: 17 Ways to Boost Your Career

As I reflect on my time at a small CPA firm, I realize that the most challenging part of my job wasn’t the long hours or grueling tax seasons. It was the slow summer months, when the lack of tasks left me feeling unfulfilled and restless. To combat this, I’ve compiled a list of 17 ways to stay productive during downtime, applicable to anyone from interns to executives.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

1. Stay Current: Browse the web for new findings or technology in your field, and share relevant discoveries with your team.
2. Create a Knowledge Base: Write a “how-to” guide for your role, making it easier for others to understand and take over your responsibilities.

Foster a Positive Work Environment

3. Spread Kindness: Send an email thanking a coworker for their help or complimenting them on a job well done.
4. Brainstorm Value-Add Projects: Develop a project that can help your company earn or save money, or create efficiencies.

Personal and Professional Growth

5. Organize Your Workspace: Clean your desk and surrounding area to improve focus and productivity.
6. Improve Your Skills: Find online resources, such as how-to articles, YouTube videos, or free webinars, to enhance your knowledge and skill set.
7. Lend a Helping Hand: Assist colleagues who are overwhelmed, and they may return the favor in the future.

Maximize Your Time

8. Optimize Your Workflow: Identify time-efficient methods to complete tasks, saving you time and energy in the long run.
9. Educational Breaks: Watch TED Talks or industry-related videos to expand your knowledge and skill set.
10. File Management: Organize your digital and physical files, reducing clutter and increasing productivity.

Professional Development

11. Update Certifications: Utilize downtime to browse for webinars or courses that can help you gain continuing education credits.
12. Tackle Overlooked Projects: Take on projects that have been pushed aside, earning recognition and goodwill from your colleagues.
13. Digital Decluttering: Clean out your email inbox, computer files, and cookies to free up space and reduce distractions.

Self-Reflection and Team Building

14. Personal Performance Review: Conduct a self-assessment of your work, identifying areas for improvement and setting goals for growth.
15. Boost Team Morale: Brainstorm ways to lift spirits, such as bringing in treats or creating a weekly newsletter highlighting team achievements.
16. Audiobooks and Learning: Download industry-related audiobooks to listen to during work, expanding your knowledge and skill set.
17. Networking Opportunities: Reach out to colleagues or industry professionals to gain a better understanding of your business and discuss best practices.

By implementing these strategies, you can turn downtime into opportunities for growth, productivity, and career advancement.