Preparing Your Business for a Secure and Sustainable Festive Season

The festive season is here! Christmas brings joy, celebrations, and well-earned rest, but for business owners, it’s also a time to ensure that operations remain secure and efficient. With year-end approaching, it’s easy to overlook crucial steps that protect your company during the holidays.

Here’s our guide to keeping your business safe, energy-efficient, and ready for a successful 2025, while still enjoying the festive cheer.

  1. 1. Set Up Your Out-of-Office Messages

    With the hustle and bustle of the season, don’t forget to let customers and colleagues know when you’re unavailable. A clear out-of-office message ensures smooth communication, sets expectations, and lets you enjoy a stress-free holiday.

    How to set up out-of-office on Outlook:

    1. Go to File > Automatic Replies.
    2. Select Send automatic replies.
    3. To schedule a timeframe, choose Only send during this time range and set the dates.
    4. Craft your message, including emergency contact details if needed.
    5. Click OK to activate it.

    Pro Tip: Don’t forget to turn off your auto-reply when you’re back to avoid confusion!

    2. Power Down Non-Essential Equipment

    Before heading home for the holidays, conduct a quick walk-through of your office to turn off unused appliances. Items like printers, coffee machines, and water coolers can drain energy even when idle.

    This small action not only lowers utility costs but also promotes sustainability. Encourage your team to embrace a culture of responsibility by making mindful energy use a year-round habit.

    3. Pause Your Advertising Campaigns

    Optimise your holiday marketing budget by pausing platforms like Google Ads during the quieter Christmas week. With most holiday shopping completed, the ROI on paid ads may drop significantly.

    By reallocating this budget for New Year campaigns, you can start 2024 with a stronger, more focused advertising strategy.

    4. Unplug Chargers and Save Energy

    Laptop chargers left plugged in over the holiday can rack up unnecessary electricity costs. For instance, leaving a single charger connected 24/7 could cost around £1.68 per day.

    If 20 employees unplug chargers during the break, your company could save around £300! Multiply that savings across other devices, and you’ve got a simple way to reduce overheads while fostering a greener workspace.

    5. Double-Check Security Measures

    Secure your workplace before the holiday break by ensuring all doors, windows, and safes are locked. If your office stores sensitive data or valuable equipment, test alarm systems and review surveillance footage accessibility.

    This small yet crucial step can help you avoid stress and costly incidents while you’re away.

    6. Record a Festive Voicemail Update

    Let clients know you’re on holiday by recording an updated voicemail. Include your return date and any emergency contact details.

    This thoughtful gesture reassures your customers while giving you peace of mind during your well-deserved time off.

    Ready for the New Year? We’re Here to Help

    At SMS, we’re more than cloud service providers; we’re your partners in business success. Whether you need secure email hosting, efficient collaboration tools, or expert migration services, we’ve got you covered.

    Why Choose SMS?

    • Over 17 years of trusted service.
    • Supporting 4,500+ businesses worldwide.
    • Expert UK-based support available 24/7/365.
    • Cost-effective, all-in-one solutions for your IT needs.

    Get in Touch

    End 2024 with confidence. Contact us today for advice or assistance!

    📞 T: 01925 818448
    📧 E: marketing@simplymailsolutions.com