Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year

Struggling to find ways to fill your working days between Christmas and New Year? Here are six jobs to tick off your list

By Ernest Richardson

Ah, the dreaded in-between time. Christmas is finished and you’re slowly digesting your mammoth servings of turkey and trifle before gearing up for the rigours of seeing in the New Year.

But, thanks to workplace politics and the vagaries of annual leave arrangements, you find yourself in the office for three whole days. And let’s be honest, with so many businesses shut down or running a skeleton staff, there’s not an awful lot to do.

...let’s be honest, with so many businesses shut down or running a skeleton staff, there’s not an awful lot to do.  

Don’t waste these valuable days. Use them wisely and you can get ahead of the New Year before it’s even begun. That way, when your colleagues return to work on 2 January, you’ll be sitting pretty with an empty in-tray and a stress-free start to the year.

To help you make the most of your in-between days, here are six things to get done.

1. Tidy your inbox

Show me a person with a clean email inbox and I’ll show you, well, no one. Because, let’s be honest, all of us hang on to emails that needed deleting ages ago.

And some of us even have emails that need a response, but which we just haven’t got round to sorting.

Use these days when it’s a bit quieter to tidy your inbox. Be ruthless: delete anything you know you don’t really need any more. Respond to anything that needs dealing with. Then enjoy the feeling of a clean, crisp and lightweight inbox. It’ll soon fill up again.

Six things to do in the office between Christmas and New Year2. Deal with the jobs you’ve been putting off

You know that report you promised your boss sometime in November? Or the staff survey that you’ve been putting off completing?

Now’s the time to get these jobs ticked off your list. They may not be the most exciting way to spend your post-Christmas working days, but they will stop you getting bored. And think how much brighter you’ll feel with a completely clear to-do list.

3. Sort your filing

What’s the one job that everyone hates? It’s got to be filing, right?

In many businesses, Friday afternoon was traditionally the time to catch up on filing. But modern working practices don’t seem to follow the same ebb and flow. Friday’s either don’t tail off, or tail off to such an extent that everyone goes home because they work flexi-time.

Chances are, then, that you have a stack of paperwork to sort, and this is the perfect opportunity to do it. You’ll probably find most of it can be filed in the bin. But wherever it ends up, imagine how much happier you’ll feel when you can see your desk again.

Give yourself some thinking space during the post-Christmas lull.  

4. Do an expenses claim

It’s crazy when you think about it: your employer owes you money for costs you’ve borne on their behalf. But you need to file an expenses claim to access it. And that’s a job that can easily be put to the bottom of your priority list when more time-sensitive demands start pressing.

So (you know where I’m going with this): get it done during the in-between time. Not only will it be a weight off your mind. It’ll also be a bit of additional bunce to see you through the New Year.

5. Take time to think

Modern life can be rubbish – or exceedingly stressful, at least. In the daily rub of office life, there is precious little time to let your creative or intellectual juices flow.

But we all know that this is when the good stuff happens. It’s why 3M lets employees spend 15 per cent of their time engaged in non-business-critical projects. It was in this 15 per cent that innovations like reflective number plates and Post-It notes were invented, which just goes to show what happens when your mind roams free.

Give yourself some thinking space during the post-Christmas lull. Take time to surf the net, following flights of fancy and diving into rabbit holes. Read that article you’ve had bookmarked for ages. Hang out on the Just Recruitment website and engage with the dizzying variety of content there.

However you do it, use this precious time when it’s quiet just to… think. Everyone benefits when you take a breath or two.

Without going overboard, use your quiet time to fire off a few words of thanks to deserving recipients.  

6. Send some thank you notes

After Christmas is the season for thank-you notes. But the ones you should be sending from the office aren’t to Great Aunt Agatha expressing gratitude for your new train set.

These ones are for colleagues: those who have gone the extra mile over the past 12 months. The people who have made your life easier, either by being ultra-efficient or extra helpful, or perhaps just because they’re great to be around.

A little bit of gratitude and encouragement can be a great motivator. It makes people feel valued, noticed, admired.

Without going overboard, use your quiet time to fire off a few words of thanks to deserving recipients. It’s sure to bring them cheer… especially if, like you, they’re stuck in the office while the rest of the world gorges Quality Street and watches reruns of old Bond movies.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Workplace dilemmas: I just can’t help falling in love
How to communicate with your employees

 

Published: 19 December 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Brand Coordinator
Sector: Customer Service
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Braintree, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913714
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded business based in Braintree who are recruiting for a Brand Coordinator to add to their team.

This role will involve working closely with Account Managers on new developments, handling samples of new products and sending them to the client for approval.

Duties will include:

  • Liaising with design to generate new artwork and amend existing artwork correctly
  • Liaising with purchasing at UK and international sites to obtain pricing and sampling quotations, and updating the CRM/Creator system accordingly
  • Handling customer enquiries and complaints efficiently and resolving them to a successful resolution
  • Producing periodic reports when required for the Account Manager and the client
  • Monitoring stock usage of certain products and taking ownership for ordering stock within company guidelines
  • Setting up brand manuals to include order forms, procedures, item references and prices
  • Keeping department code lists and size charts up-to-date
  • Liaising with the international sites regarding customer and retailer enquiries in regard to the production and dispatch of products
  • Keeping the CRM/Creator updated with all relevant artwork required for each brand
  • Assisting order processing as and when required, paying attention to detail

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

Read more
New job
Counterbalance Forklift Driver
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.70 per hour
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAL-CFD-0725
About the role

Just Temps seeks an experienced Counterbalance Forklift Driver looking for a fresh start with a company in Halstead, Essex, that values hard work and reliability. This could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

What’s in it for you?

This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build a long-term career. Starting on a temporary basis, this role offers the genuine opportunity to go permanent. You'll be joining a close-knit team within a growing business where your efforts are recognised and rewarded.

About the role:

  • Operating a Counterbalance forklift safely and efficiently
  • Loading and unloading deliveries
  • Moving stock within the warehouse
  • Supporting the wider warehouse team with general duties
  • Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Hours:

  • Monday to Friday
  • 6.00am to 2.00pm
  • Weekly pay
  • Ongoing support and progression opportunities

What we’re looking for:

  • A valid Counterbalance forklift licence
  • Previous warehouse or forklift experience
  • A strong work ethic and a team-player mindset
  • Punctuality, reliability, and attention to detail

This is a fantastic opportunity to secure stable, long-term work with the potential to grow within the company.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Manager
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: £40,000 - £50,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913713
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Manager to join their growing team.

About the role:

  • The primary purpose of this role is to lead the procurement function in delivering greater strategic and operational value, supporting the achievement of key business objectives.
  • This is a hands-on, strategic and operational role that requires a confident leader with deep procurement expertise and the ability to inspire and develop a team.
  • You will work closely with the Supply Chain Manager to shape and implement a fit-for-purpose procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business goals across quality, cost, sustainability and risk management. This role is pivotal in maintaining robust and value-driven supplier relationships while enabling continuous improvement in all procurement activities.
  • You will also oversee raw material planning and call-offs, ensuring that the business maintains the right balance between availability and inventory control — essential for production continuity and working capital efficiency.
  • This role includes direct line management of a Procurement Specialist, supporting their development and day-to-day activity management.

Key duties include:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, operational needs and sustainability goals.
  • Identify, evaluate, and manage suppliers across raw materials, packaging, and indirect categories to ensure quality, continuity and cost-effectiveness.
  • Collaborate with the Supply Chain Manager and other departments to align procurement with broader supply chain goals and business plans.
  • Contribute to the company’s sustainability, traceability and ethical sourcing commitments through strategic supplier partnerships.
  • Oversee the procurement of raw materials, packaging, indirect goods and services, and CAPEX items, ensuring optimal quality, cost and delivery performance.
  • Manage tendering processes, contract negotiation and supplier onboarding activities.
  • Ensure the ERP system is updated and used effectively for procurement activities and reporting.
  • Monitor and report on procurement KPIs, savings and supplier performance metrics.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and service providers, driving continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Lead supplier performance reviews, audits and corrective action processes.
  • Identify and assess risks within the supply base and implement mitigation strategies to ensure business continuity.
  • Lead, mentor and develop the procurement team to achieve high levels of engagement, performance and professional growth.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous learning within the team.
  • Support the wider Supply Chain team by contributing to cross-functional initiatives and projects.
  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, financial controls and ethical standards.
  • Support internal and external audits with relevant documentation and compliance reporting.
  • Drive process improvement initiatives and embed best practices across the procurement function.
  • Build and nurture key working relationships with Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams, Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity to drive change within a business — offering a great working environment.

Working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm — although some flexibility is required.

Please note that due to the location of the business, you must have access to your own transport.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is excited to be supporting a fantastic company based in Hadleigh, assisting with the search for dedicated Production Operatives to join their friendly and fast-paced team.

This is an immediate start, temp-to-perm opportunity role!

You will be working in a clean, well-organised working environment, and full training will be provided — no previous experience required.

This role involves:

  • Manual production work
  • Standing on your feet and using your hands for the majority of the shift
  • Supporting day-to-day operations on the production line
  • Following health & safety procedures at all times

What we’re looking for:

  • A strong work ethic and attention to detail
  • Reliability and punctuality are essential
  • Own transport – the site is not accessible by public transport
  • Safety shoes and long workwear are required

If you're ready to start immediately and want to be part of a stable, supportive team, we’d love to hear from you.

Hours:

  • 8 hour shift
  • Day shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • No weekends
  • Overtime

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Warehouse
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Braintree
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JT-BRA-PO-0725
About the role

Just Temps is working with a respected manufacturing business based near Braintree to help them look for a reliable and motivated Production Operative to join their specialist production team.

This is a temp-to-perm opportunity role!

Hours: Day shift, Monday to Friday, 38 hours per week.

Why this role?

This is a hands-on role and a great opportunity to be part of a highly skilled and collaborative team that works in a modern, clean, and controlled environment. You’ll be working with precision-manufactured products, contributing to a business that’s been going strong for decades, and if all goes well, this could become a long-term position.

What’s in it for you?

  • Eligible for a generous annual bonus (typically around 10%). Discretionary and not guaranteed
  • Full training provided
  • Clean and safe working conditions
  • Daytime working hours – keep your evenings free

What will you be doing?

You’ll be based in a specialised area. Typical tasks will include:

  • Polishing and finishing high-quality components
  • Preparing moulds and applying coatings
  • Carefully mixing and pouring resins using vacuum systems
  • Assembling parts and preparing them for final inspection
  • Maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, wearing full PPE

Who we’re looking for:
We need someone who is:

  • Practical, hands-on, and detail-oriented
  • Comfortable working with materials like resins and glues
  • Flexible and willing to learn new tasks within the department
  • Committed to health & safety and quality standards
  • Own transport is essential due to the location

Previous manufacturing or cleanroom experience is a bonus, but not essential – just bring a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Free parking is available on-site.

 

Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Procurement Specialist
Sector: Purchasing and Merchandising
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913712
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Procurement Specialist to join their growing team.

The key purpose of this role is to be responsible for the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods to support production requirements and business operations. This role ensures cost-effective purchasing while maintaining high standards of quality and supplier performance. In addition to purchasing responsibilities, the role owns the material planning function, ensuring optimal stock levels, accurate forecasting, and uninterrupted material supply to meet production schedules.

Key duties include:

  • Source, negotiate and purchase raw materials, packaging and consumables to meet business needs.
  • Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and develop new supplier partnerships.
  • Conduct regular supplier reviews on performance, pricing, lead times and compliance with company standards.
  • Issue and manage purchase orders (POs) to ensure timely deliveries and cost control.
  • Support cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
  • Take full ownership of the material planning process across all SKUs.
  • Develop, manage and maintain the material requirements plan (MRP) based on weekly production schedules and forecasts.
  • Maintain accurate inventory levels of raw materials and packaging to avoid shortages or excess stock.
  • Collaborate closely with production, warehousing and quality teams to ensure alignment on stock availability and usage.
  • Monitor inventory trends and flag risks related to potential shortages or delays.
  • Create and maintain rolling forecasts for materials based on sales, production plans and market trends.
  • Lead the weekly forecasting process, collaborating with production planning and commercial teams.
  • Analyse historical data to improve forecast accuracy and responsiveness to demand changes.
  • Maintain accurate records in the ERP system.

This is an excellent opportunity to grow and develop with the team and business.

This role offers a positive work environment with free parking available on-site.

Due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more