8 Things to Accomplish During Your Companys Summer Slowdown

8 Things to Accomplish During Your Companys Summer Slowdown After months of navigating the hard slog, it can be tempting to kick back and coast when your workload wanes during the inevitable summer slowdown.Taking steps to avoid burnout is all well and good, but is doing the bare minimum really the best use of your time in this quiet season?The truth is, these slow weeks virtually free of meetings and deadlinespresent a great opportunity to better yourself, your skill set, and your department. Our recommendation Make this time count. Aim to accomplish something meaningful before you get too busy again.bedrngnis sure where to start? Try doing these eight things1.OrganizeYour Professional SpaceIs your computers desktop cluttered with files? Is your physical desktop groaning under the weight of paperwork? A slow period at work is a good time to change all that.Get organized Tackle those unread emails, sort and systematize your inbox,and clean out your dr awers. Reconfigure your workspace digital and physical to makeit more functional. This will make getting things done and tracking down resources easier once work picks back up. Plus, once youve put your immediate environment in order, your mental space will feel a lot less chaotic, too.2. Review Your Progress and Set New GoalsWhile you have some time to spare, thinkabout your professional journey. How far have you come, and how far do you still have to go to meet the goals youve set for yourself, whether in this current job or in your broader career? With no urgent tasks breathing down your neck, you should have room to evaluate your career map and ensure its still leading where you want it to lead.Take note (literally) of what youve accomplished to date, and while youre at it, use this information toupdate your resume and LinkedIn profile to more accurately reflect your current situation. This way, youll be ready if new opportunities arise. You can also capitalize onthe summer sl owdown by reviewing your objectives for the coming months, mapping out how you will reach them, and rahmen new intentions.3. Return to Old Projects That Have Been on the Back BurnerWe allhave that one big task weve been meaning to get to for months or even years, be it a passion project or a long-term assignment that never quite made it to the top of the to-do list. Slow days are your chance totackle the work thats been on the back burner for too long. If youre not going to prioritize it now, will you ever prioritize it?4. Learn, Read, ResearchNow that you have a little more time to breathe, why not shift your focus from everyday work to professional growth? Take an online course to sharpen your skills or acquire new competencies. Research the state of your field or industry to better understand where its headed and how you can prepare. Read relevant websites and trade publications and listen to insightful podcasts to keep up with the latest news and trends.5. Automate Tedious Proce ssesWhen yourefighting against a relentless tide of work, theres no time to stop, reflect, and determine whether you are really approaching your duties in the smartest, most efficient way possible. In the summer slowdown,on the other hand, you have ample opportunity to think about the big picture. Pinpoint tasks that can be automated and processes that can be streamlined, and look into tools that can help you maintain higher productivity with less effort all year long.6. Reconnect WithYourColleaguesYour network is one of your most valuable professional assets, but connections between people whither with time unless you actively cultivate them.Use your newfound free time to check in with past coworkers, superiors, and clients. Message them on LinkedIn, shoot them an email, or invite them to coffee. While youre at it, work on strengthening your ties with current colleagues, too. Initiate conversations in the office, volunteer to help people with difficult tasks, and organize group lu nches or after-work get-togethers.Buildingrelationships with your coworkers will pay off now and in the long run.7. Pick Up Some Secondary WorkHave you been itching to explore a business idea for some time? A side hustle is a great way to diversify your income stream orbreak into a new industry, but building a successful one takes some effort. Get your gig going now while you have the drive, the energy, and the extra hours.8. Unwind and RechargeMaking the seasonal slump countalso means prioritizing relaxation. Once fall arrives and your work picks back up, youll have a hard time keeping up if you didnt use the summer months to recuperate.Spend quality time with family and friends,pick up a new hobby, exercise more, and take moments just for yourself. Focus on refilling your cup, and youll have more to give when office life returns to its pre-summer pace.LiveCareer has tools that help job seekers build targeted resumes and cover letters, including a freeresume builderand extensive co llection ofcover letter examples.