I can honestly say I’ve been here before – at the end of the year, feeling pressure to get things done before the Christmas break, and generally feeling unhappy at work…but what should you do about it?

I think it’s important to work out if it really is the job you’re not happy with, or the career you’re not happy with, or is it just some end of year tiredness sneaking in?

Whenever anyone mentions this type of issue to me, I always suggest they at least try to make it through to their break and then take some time…

You need time to get away from your daily routine, you need time to relax with your family and friends, and then you need to take some time to consider your future.

You may decide that your break was just what you needed and you’re ready to forge ahead with a new year.  But if you decide that the role you work in or place you work at is not the right one for you (or even that your chosen career is not the right one for you – and that’s OK too), then you’ve certainly got some serious considering to do.

I recommend making a list of your strengths and the things you enjoy doing and then look for a role or workplace that embraces these!

Good luck to you all!

Regards

We look forward to it all year…the annual Christmas party!

Christmas parties are a great way to thank your employees for their hard work during the year, but as an employer you are still required to consider the safety of your staff.

Some things you may consider as a way of protecting your staff and your business as you are organising your annual gathering (or any gathering during the year for that matter) include:

• ensure your policies and procedures are up to date (with particular reference to bullying and harassment)
• send an email to your staff before the event encouraging them to enjoy themselves, but reminding them that it is a work function
• ensure alcohol is served legally and responsibly
• provide food and non-alcoholic drinks
• arrange transport so your employees can get home from the event, or at least to a common return point so they may make their own arrangements

…that’s enough of the serious stuff, I hope everyone who is having their end of year celebration this weekend has a fabulous time!

Regards

That’s right, in case you hadn’t realised…it’s nearly Christmas!

In fact, most workplaces have only two working weeks to go…and many will be closed for an extended break over the Christmas and New Year period.

So why I am stating the obvious?  Because I want you to stop and consider a  few things, just for a moment:

• do you have any equipment in need of repair?
• is your car due for a service?
• do you need to order something special for a gift?

Now is the time to book these things in or finalise your orders…or you may miss out!

One final thing I like to consider is any bills due for payment – the next few weeks are usually very busy for everyone, so make sure you schedule these payments so you don’t forget!

Now, how many sleeps until Santa comes??

Regards

One of the questions raised last week in “Ask The Tax Chic” was – when is my December BAS due?

If you lodge you BAS (Business Activity Statement) on a monthly basis, there are no concessions available over the Christmas/New Year period and your due date remains 21st January, 2016.

However, if you lodge your BAS on a quarterly basis, your usual due date is 28th January, 2016 but you are granted an automatic extension to 28th February, 2016!

But remember…there are no further extensions to this date!

So feel free to take a break over the Christmas/New Year period, but please make it a priority on your return.

Regards