Well, here it is—your friendly reminder that we have less than one month until we turn the calendar page to a new year! But before you disable your work email (or clock out of 2017 altogether), here are eight quick end-of-year tasks you should make sure you complete.
1. Spend your FSA cash.
Most FSAs require you to use your savings by December 31, or you lose it—so spend what’s left in your account. Some common things to do with that remaining sum include making last-minute doctor or dentist appointments, purchasing eyeglasses, or getting flu shots or other immunizations.
2. Make a 401(k) contribution.
If you put money in your 401(k) before the end of the year, you’ll get a tax deduction on your 2017 return. Oftentimes, the beginning of the new year or quarter is an opportunity to start a 401(k) election, so, if you’re not already enrolled, now is a good time to make that decision.
3. Verify the address on your W-2.
Head down to your HR office (or, if you’re a remote employee, log in to your HR portal) and make sure your address of record is up-to-date. If it’s not, you might experience mail delays in getting your W-2 come tax season.
4. Audit your passwords and usernames.
In addition to following any procedures your IT department has in place, the end of the year is a good time to reset your passwords and inventory your usernames. You should also consider implementing a password manager like Dashlane or LastPass.
5. Unsubscribe from junk email lists.
You may also want to unenroll from any subscription lists you no longer want to hear from. Spend your five-minute breaks doing this through an auto-unenroll service or do it yourself, and you’ll be subject to much less wasted time reading through junk emails in 2018.
6. Set your goals for the new year.
Your year-end review may be a good catalyst for this—take time afterward to think about what practical steps you can take in the new year to improve your business and personal life. Then write them down and put them in a place you can see them every day.
7. Clean out your inbox.
If you’re going to be gone for a good chunk of time over the holidays, clear your virtual brain by filing, responding to, and deleting your emails. Then, follow suit and do the same thing for your work voicemail and workspace!
8. Say thanks.
Want to end your year on a good note? How about showing appreciation for those you see every day but don’t necessarily take time to thank. Whether it’s the pleasant secretary at your front desk, that coworker who always makes you laugh, or a boss who’s gone to bat for you in the last few months, gratitude isn’t just a gift for the person you’re thanking—it’s a gift that makes you feel good, too. Write a quick email or jot down your thanks on a note card—even if they don’t get your message before the new year, they will appreciate starting 2018 on a happy note.
What did we miss?
What other quick tasks should employees do before 2018? Leave us a comment or tweet to us @MyGenesisHR and let us know!
