October arrives, and suddenly every week feels like it’s two days long. There are budgets to finalise, projects to close out, and someone’s already brought in mince pies. It’s easy to feel like you’re juggling tinsel and to-do lists all at once.
This is the month where a little structure goes a long way. Set up a simple countdown-to-shutdown checklist. Include key tasks like final client communications, inventory checks, IT backups, and any compliance deadlines. A shared team checklist helps everyone stay on track and avoids last-minute fire drills.
Encourage teams to review what’s achievable before the break—and what can wait. It’s tempting to cram it all in, but honest prioritisation saves stress (and sanity). Scheduling realistic finish lines helps keep the quality up and the burnout down.
And remember to make space for fun. Light touches like a team lunch, festive dress-up days, or a Christmas playlist in the office can boost morale during the busiest time of year.
With a good plan, a sense of humour, and a strong coffee, October doesn’t have to be chaotic. Take control now and cruise into December with confidence.