Tuning Out
Pandemic, Politics, Social Distancing, Masks, Cancellations and Limitations; hallmarks of the year we’ve all come to dread. In March, I wrote how “Frozen 2” was the most appropriate descriptor to the year. With it’s songs “Into the Unknown” and “Lost in the Woods” aligned with the feelings of many. Thankfully, the Holidays have arrived and provided a distraction of sorts along with the comforting familiarity of tradition. For those suffering from 2020 fatigue, look to many taking a little extra time off at the end of the year and Tuning Out.
Due to the uncertainty of employment, coupled with working from home and limited options to travel, lots of vacation time around the globe is still on the table. In some instances, the phrase “use it or lose it” applies. One silver lining for this year is how the holidays landed in December. With Christmas and New Year’s on Friday this year, even those with minimal vacation time stored up could take the last two weeks of the month off.
Consider how this may or may not impact your role and organization. Given the widespread impact of the pandemic, it’s likely that the vacation rush may impact how business does or does not get done in the remaining weeks of the year. For Sales that operate on a Calendar year, this may be an especially difficult time to close deals after December 18th. For others, it may be the welcome relief that the end of 2020 is near. Either way, it’s probably best to have a strategy in place to deal with an early downturn in productivity.
With so much to process this year out of the norm, I can see why so many are just exhausted as December arrives. With shorter daylight hours, colder weather and desire to just bury oneself in a comfy chair and blanket, it’s no wonder the best bet these days is to tune out. Personally, here in my household we’ve come to enjoy the fire and steady stream of The Hallmark Channel. So, while the calendar says December 31st is the end of the month, and thankfully the end of 2020; I imagine December 18th may be closer to the reality of end of year for many.