“Thank goodness it’s Friday,” right? As the weekend approaches, you might feel like your mind is ready to clock out, but it’s time to refocus. Before you head out for the weekend and your office chair stops spinning from your swift exit, there are several productive actions you can take to wrap up your workweek effectively.
We consulted the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) for their insights on the most valuable tasks to tackle during that late Friday afternoon, and here’s their advice:
1. Acknowledge your achievements before leaving work on Friday.
It’s easy to reflect on your week and dwell on what remains undone. A beneficial habit to develop is to acknowledge what was achieved and celebrate those successes. This practice helps you maintain a focus on your progress, highlights the positives, and sets the tone for a great weekend.
—Lea Woodward, Kinetiva
2. Conduct a team meeting.
Holding a team meeting on Friday is an excellent method to summarize the week and strategize for the upcoming one. Clearly outlining tasks and goals can provide you with an advantage over the weekend, ensuring you kick off Monday with a solid plan. Don’t forget to create an agenda, document objectives, and outline responsibilities.
—Andrew Thomas, andrewpaulthomas.com
3. Organize your desk before leaving work on Friday.
There’s nothing worse than arriving at work on Monday to a chaotic desk filled with papers and scattered supplies. Spending a few moments to declutter your workspace before clocking out on Friday is vital for starting the new week with a positive mindset. Tidying up also aids in mentally disengaging from work and getting into the weekend groove.
—Kim Kaupe, Bright Ideas Only
4. Take a moment to reflect.
As the week winds down, it’s crucial to take a moment for introspection. Before powering down your computer on Friday evening, consider asking yourself several questions: “What did I achieve this week?” and “What goals do I have for next week? Next month? Next year?” Entrepreneurs should always remain cognizant of their recent accomplishments and utilize reflections to lay the groundwork for future success.
—Joe Apfelbaum, Ajax Union
5. Look over next week’s schedule before leaving work on Friday.
Scan your calendar for Monday to give yourself a head start on the week ahead.
—Phil Dumontet, Whole Sol
6. Set an engaging away message.
Firstly, you deserve a weekend break. If you usually work weekends too, set an away message to manage expectations regarding your response time. Secondly, use the away message as an opportunity to attract attention. Direct people to a great article or video on your site to engage them while they await your reply. I’ve noticed a boost in traffic over the weekends because my away message encourages emailers to check out my latest content.
—Vanessa Van Edwards, Science of People
