Phew! Now that the new year celebrations are all wrapped up and carefully packed away in the ‘2015’ box, you can (finally) get back on track. The atmosphere at work is relaxed, projects are slowly getting going again and you’ve lost count of the number of ‘happy new years’ you’ve been wished by cheerful colleagues. In short, the new year is well and truly here. It’s an opportunity for each of us to set ourselves new aims and a whole host of resolutions... So, here are 8 ways to kick off your new year at work with joy and good humour (honest!).


1. BAKE SOME BISCUITS
How about showing your nice side (for a change!) by bringing in some biscuits for your colleagues (home-made, natch)? When free cakes are on offer, everyone’s bound to show up! It’s the perfect opportunity to have a natter over a coffee and listen to the comments of your colleagues (you know, the ones who never bring anything in) who only use brown sugar in their cookies and never white!

2. PUT ASIDE OLD GRUDGES
Okay, so maybe Patrick from the Marketing department did give you a hard time last year and never did anything to make up for it. Perhaps now’s the time to move on and prove that you’re smarter than him by showing that you can forgive and forget and that the start of a new year is a good pretext for holding out an olive branch. Why not poke him on Facebook or at-mention him on Twitter?

3. COMPLIMENT PEOPLE!
Be big-hearted! Offer lots of compliments (because you mean it, not because there’s something in it for you!). Compliment your colleagues on their work, outfit or haircut and help them start the next 360 days with confidence…

4. OFFER A HELPING HAND
You notice that the receptionist has a huge pile of mail on her desk. Why not give her a hand? You might even be surprised to learn a few interesting titbits about some of your colleagues…

5. ORGANISE A TEAM MEAL
Why? Well, first of all, because everyone will accept. Secondly, because who doesn’t like getting cosy around a hearty meal? And thirdly, the season for meetings mayhem isn’t upon us yet, so make the most of it!

6. DRAW UP A BUCKET LIST
A bucket list is a list of all the things you absolutely want to do or achieve in life. Why not make one for your professional life? The start of a new year is traditionally a time for resolutions, so dig out a pencil and paper and try to answer the following questions:
• What were the highlights of working with my colleagues last year? Which would I like to experience again? What conditions are needed to recreate them?
• What do I regret not having achieved over the past year?
• What makes me happy in my current job?
• What areas would I like to improve?
This kind of exercise can help bring teams together and requires everyone to draw on their own resources. It’s a great way to get the new year off to a good start!

7. GIVE A GIFT
Identify a colleague’s weak spot and give them a gift to help them overcome it. Maybe a giant alarm clock for the one who’s always late, or some deodorant for the guy whose personal hygiene leaves something to be desired… You’ll soon see if they’ve got the message!

8. PERFORM AN ACT OF KINDNESS
Why not carry out an act of kindness (a real one, I mean)? Maybe offering your seat by the window to that colleague who’s wanted it for the past year… This will show that you’re a good guy and give you a change of perspective to boot!
How about you? How do you show your new year goodwill?