Newsletter
December 2022 Newsletter
End of Year Checklist for Small Business Owners
As we enter the final month of 2022, small business owners will without doubt be busier than ever. Winding up scheduled work, approving leave, and organising end of year events can get overwhelming. Here are just some of the ways you can end the year focusing on both celebration and organisation – to return to 2023 refreshed and ready to kick goals.
Lay the foundation for success in the New Year
If you are finding yourself chasing your tail, there will be little time for future planning. However, we all know how hard it can be returning to work after a holiday. Even worse is returning to overdue tasks, invoices, disorganisation and urgent matters. Lay the foundations before you go on leave to return to an organised office, with smooth processes to handle anything that may come your way in the New Year. If possible, set aside an “admin” day for you and your staff to ease the pre-holiday panic.
Plan and communicate the first quarter of 2023
To ensure you hit the ground running, have your goals for the New Year set in motion and clearly communicate these with staff. The best goals follow the SMART rule, which stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-based.
Motivate your staff for their return to work with your passion and excitement for the New Year. Even better, allow them a sneak peak of what 2023 will bring to the business and their role specifically.
Emphasise the importance of adequate leave – including your own!
In communication with your small business accountant, approving leave and scheduling holiday pay will be easy. By requesting this information as early as possible, your small business accountant can arrange for all allowances and payment schedules to take action in an accurate manner.
Be sure to check in with each member of your team to ensure they feel they are taking an adequate break and that they are making the most of their annual leave during a quieter period. If this is the busier season for you, discuss penalty rates, days where your business will be closed and start scheduling your staff well in advance to be prepared. Once the busy period cools off, be sure to encourage annual leave to avoid burn out amongst your team.
Make time for social activities
It’s always important to celebrate the year that was and acknowledge how hard your team has worked throughout the highs and lows. Even if you find this is your busiest time, for example if you are in hospitality or entertainment, it is still important to schedule an end of year get together. Christmas parties make excellent opportunities for presenting staff awards, employee of the year announcements, and for delivering Christmas bonuses. Don’t miss the opportunity to show your staff how much you value them with an end of year lunch or dinner.
If you are feeling disorganised for the holiday break and the return to work in 2023, consider setting goals and communicating these with your staff, schedule an admin day for all staff to get on top of the pre-holiday panic, and don’t forget to show your appreciation for their hard work with an end of year event!