2 hours ago
2
So you’ve drawn the short straw and find yourself taking little or no time off over the holiday period. While some businesses have formal shutdown periods, others require staff to keep the wheels of industry turning. But, with a little thought, it doesn’t have to be unpleasant.
Dr Juliet Bourke, adjunct professor at UNSW School of Business, says working through the holidays is not necessarily bad news for everyone.
“For some people, they don’t want to be forced into taking the time off,” she says. “They might want to go overseas in the middle of the year, so [working through] can work out well. It’s not ‘one size fits all’.”
If you’re working over summer, these hacks can help you make the most of it.Credit: Getty Images
Still, when it looks as though everyone is taking summer holidays and cheerfully saying “see you next year” as they head out the door, it can feel a little like you’ve been left on the shelf. But even if you are slaving over a hot keyboard in the coming weeks, there are still ways of enjoying the holiday period.
Here are a few ways to make the best of summer at work:
Play catch-up
It’s often a time of year when the business is less, well, busy. Bourke says it’s a chance to get on top of all those tasks you’ve been putting off, set yourself some goals and prepare for a successful start to the new year.
“Depending on the industry, sometimes the workload can diminish at that time and you find there is a little pause in the freneticism,” she says. “You can use that time to do the things you have been putting off so that you can start the new year fresh.”
Tick off that to-do list, catch up with colleagues, do some planning. You’ll be ahead of the game come 2026.
Embrace flexibility
With daylight saving in full swing, the days have grown longer. If you can manage it, carve some time out for yourself by starting earlier to give yourself the afternoon off or take the morning for yourself and work into the evening.
Loading
“See if there are small adjustments you can make in the day to make the most of summer,” says Bourke. “There is an opportunity to think more flexibly.”
For those in coastal areas, including Sydney and Melbourne, come to the office prepared with a cossie and towel and hop on a bus or train to the beach after work to feel the sand between your toes, even if it’s only for a few hours.
Stretch the weekend
If you’re only taking two days off a week, make them really count. While a couple of days away is ideal, you can also turn the weekend into a mini staycation, says Bourke.
“Make plans for Friday night and Sunday afternoon,” she says.
Grab dinner on Friday night or join friends for a late Sunday afternoon get-together at a local venue – even better if there’s live music. Take in one of the summer movie releases at the cinema or plan a barbecue at the park in the coolest part of the day. The office can wait until Monday morning.
Organise a late Sunday afternoon swim and a barbecue to squeeze the most out of your weekend.Credit: iStock
Dress for the season
Since COVID, most office environments have pretty relaxed policies when it comes to dress codes. As long as it meets occupational health and safety standards, lean into it over summer with sundresses, Hawaiian shirts, board shorts and sunnies, or whatever says “holiday”.
Dressing for summer can help you maintain a positive attitude to the workday, even while you enjoy the office air-con.
Build a bridge
In France, they call it “faire le pont”, which translates to “taking the bridge”. Look for public holidays that fall on Tuesday or Thursday (January 1, 2026, falls on a Thursday) and take the day in between to create a four-day weekend.
“I’m sure the idea of a bridge day is very popular in France, but we have that down to a fine art in Australia,” Bourke says. “It’s worth thinking about how to get those little holidays where you can.”
Loading
Make new friends
Working as part of skeleton staff can be a bonding experience, Bourke says. You might even make an unexpected connection.
“When you work through the holidays, there is a feeling of camaraderie among the people left,” she says. “You can find yourself making new friendships with people you may not have spent time with before.”
Grab a coffee or go for lunch. It’s a great time of year in many industries to slow the pace and get to know your colleagues better.
If all else fails, put your hand up early to request a substantial break next summer.
Bourke says: “There is an attitude, especially for people who are permanent, to take the long-term view: ‘I know I am doing it this year – next year it will be my turn.’”
Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.
Most Viewed in Lifestyle
Loading
