Get ready for summer

Summer is upon us, and while some are slowing down and taking a break, others limber up for a busy period, so it's always a good idea to take a step back and think about how to keep business rolling over the summer months.

The Wow team have some fantastic advice for managing your time and striking a healthy work/life balance.

Leo Tidman - Lead Adviser

For me, it's all about planning. This starts with working out when I'm most productive, which, for me, is in the morning. I'll then try to have one or two 45 minute blocks first thing, where I get the work that has to be done that day finished.

Rory Spence - Head of Commercial

One of the things I find really helps is to be realistic with yourself about how your performance will peak and trough.

If there is a heatwave week, I know I won't sleep, and I won't be able to focus for as long during the day. Adjusting working hours can help here. I'll get up and get work done in the early morning, so I can cut myself some slack in the mid-afternoon when everyone is melting!

A Mussellwhite - Lead Adviser

The team gets together at the beginning of the week to discuss what needs to happen over that week. At the same time, we review the holiday spreadsheet, if someone is on holiday, we will find a way to make sure their workload is covered.

We know how important it is for that person to enjoy their holiday, and they shouldn't have to worry about work or have that sense of dread when returning to it, so we like to do as much as we can as a team to make sure that person isn't overwhelmed on their first day back.

Danielle Newman - Tax Adviser

I'm realistic with timings. There's no point in committing to deadlines that are unachievable, and this is where open conversations with our clients are so important. By ensuring everyone is on the same page, it avoids unnecessary stress, and can really help with managing my own priorities/workload.

I will also make sure I book at least half an hour after a call with a client to do any follow-up work, so I know that it is completed the same day and isn't lingering. I find that I get things done so much quicker if I do it straight away, and then I can put it to the back of my mind.

Fantasia Bell - Lead Adviser

Planning: For me, a list is always my go-to. When I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, I take 30 minutes out of my day and write down everything that I have to do. Then I'll prioritise it: What has to be done? Is there someone better suited to help? Could I use it as a training exercise for another team member so in the future the task can be shared? What could be moved?

I like to have a TADAAA list too, for all the extra things I managed to get done that week that wasn't on the list originally. It makes me feel better about my week and I feel like I have achieved a lot more.

Mindset: It's all about being present in that moment. For example, when I am at work I am focused, and when it's free time with family and friends, I dedicate my time to them and don't worry about work. Spending time with loved ones makes me feel re-energised, which helps me when I come back to work.

Peter Czapp - Co-founder

• Time with my daughter, including all the things I need to remember to pack in her bag if we're heading out, especially suncream!
• Gym sessions
• Holidays, social events, birthdays
• Time for thinking, writing, and planning
• Meetings, including time for prep and follow-up
• Slack and email time
• All the little things I need to do at some point that day/week
• Free time in between all of this to breathe, eat, walk, rest

If it's in there and I've moved it to a place where I know I have the time to do it, I'll sleep well at night. Of course, there's always more stuff to do than there is time (and things get added to my list throughout the day) so my diary is constantly changing. 

These ideas will help you organise your time and set you up for a successful summer, but if you feel like you or a member of your team is struggling, our client-only ‘Friend in need’ programme is there to support the emotional and physical wellbeing of you, your team and your family. The programme is completely confidential and free for Wow clients.