10 tangible New Year’s resolution ideas for work

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

The arrival of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on your career and refresh your approach to work. It’s a chance to reset and take steps toward achieving new goals that propel your career forward.

Many companies, like Schneider, require their associates to set personal development goals at the beginning of each year to encourage skill growth and career advancement. If your company does not have a similar requirement, this is an initiative you can adopt on your own, too!

Check out my New Year’s resolution ideas for work that will motivate, energize and position you for success in the months ahead. 

10 New Year’s resolutions for the workplace

1. Attend a work-related event.

As you plan your professional New Year’s resolutions, make it a goal to attend at least one work-related event in the year ahead. You can:

• Go to a conference that covers topics related to your field.
• Sign up for a workshop that helps grow your skillsets.
• Attend a webinar that covers emerging trends or best practices in your industry.

You can find these types of professional events by:

• Using LinkedIn or Facebook groups.
• Subscribing to industry newsletters. 
• Seeking recommendations from colleagues.  

2. Join a professional organization.

This resolution will set the tone for a year of growth and collaboration. Professional groups help you:

• Connect with people who have similar interests and goals as you.
• Get access to new learning resources.
• Gain a deepened sense of community.
• Exchange ideas and insights to stay ahead in your field.  
• Unlock new career opportunities through networking.

Your company may have its own professional organizations you can join. Schneider, for example, has Business Resource Groups (BRGs) that allow associates to connect with others who have similar backgrounds. If your company doesn’t offer something like this, you can always seek out and join a group in your community or virtually.  

To find the right professional organization for you, try:

• Researching collectives related to your interests or field online.
• Checking with your local chamber of commerce to find groups near you.
• Asking coworkers what organizations they’re involved with.

3. Take on a new project.

Challenge yourself this year by stepping outside your comfort zone and tackling a new project.  

Ask your leader if you can assist them or someone else on your team with something they’re working on. If it feels overwhelming, ease into it by starting with a smaller task to build your confidence before taking on something bigger.

4. Learn a new skill.

Let the spirit of the new year drive your commitment to professional development throughout the year.

Set a specific goal in January that you want to complete by the end of the year, such as:

• Mastering a new technology or technical system.
• Earning a certification.
• Taking a public speaking course.
• Improving a key competency related to your current role.

Talk with your leader to determine a game plan for how you will work toward your goal.

5. Consume more industry-related content.

Make time each week to stay on top of what's happening in your industry. Just one hour a week can make a difference. You can:

• Subscribe to industry newsletters.
• Read job-relevant blogs.
• Watch videos on relevant topics.
• Listen to industry-specific podcasts.

This simple routine will keep you informed about the latest news and trends so you can stay ahead in your field.

6. Implement the "Inbox Zero" email policy.

Make it a habit to clear your email inbox daily. Set aside 30 minutes in the morning to send emails and respond to messages. At the end of your day, go through your inbox again to tie up loose ends and delete or archive old emails.

You can also create folders or labels to help keep your email organized. For example, you might have project-specific folders to streamline your work.

7. Get to know your team members better.

Your goals for the new year at work don’t have to focus solely on tasks. Why not set a resolution to strengthen your relationships with coworkers?

Simple actions like grabbing a coffee before work or scheduling quarterly lunches can go a long way. Taking time to connect and learn about your team’s interests helps foster a positive, collaborative workplace culture.

8. Keep your workspace organized.

Staying organized in the office with a tidy workspace sets the tone for a productive year. Use the momentum of the new year to declutter both your physical and digital environments – and maintain the habit moving forward!

Spend 30 minutes at the end of every week clearing your desk and files. Set calendar reminders so your resolution sticks all year.

9. Improve your time management.

If you struggled with time management last year, the new year is your chance to start making it a priority. Experiment with different time management strategies until you find what works for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Begin each week by writing down your goals and to-dos for the week.
• Prioritize tasks to ensure you tackle the most urgent ones first.
• Block time on your calendar to work on projects.
• Turn off notifications on your phone and computer during blocked time.

10. Stay positive.

A new year offers a blank slate for your mindset. Make a resolution to stay positive, no matter what's thrown at you. This will help you focus on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

To stay positive in the office, you can:

• Spread encouragement by recognizing your team’s achievements.
• Thank a coworker who helped you with something.
• Start a weekly log to document what went well that week.
• Avoid complaining and instead focus on finding constructive solutions to challenges.