Returning to work after some time off can feel overwhelming, especially when those “it can wait until January” tasks come flooding back.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of productivity tools and tips to help streamline your workflow and refocus your efforts to help you hit the ground running in 2025.

Try implementing one or more of the below tools into your daily workflow to help make the transition back to work smoother, more efficient, and more enjoyable!

1. Notion: Your All-In-One Workspace

Notion is an online notebook-style tool, that combines note-taking, task management, team collaboration and more in one customisable space. Whether you’re planning personal goals or managing team projects, Notion lets you create your ideal productivity hub.

SD Tip: Use Notion templates to jump-start your workflows, like “Weekly Planner” or “Project Tracker.”

2. Focus Music: Stay in the Zone

Background music tailored for concentration can significantly boost your focus. Apps like Brain.fm and Focus@Will offer AI-curated playlists scientifically designed to improve productivity. Prefer a free option? Explore focus playlists on platforms like Spotify - just search for "Deep Focus" or "Concentration Boost."

SD Tip: Create a custom playlist for your most demanding tasks to help you settle into a productive flow faster.

3. Trello: Organise with Visual Boards

Trello is the perfect tool for creating visual boards to track tasks, assign projects, and keep your to-do list organised. Using templates like “Weekly Planner” can save time and make task tracking a breeze.

SD Tip: Start your year with a "Back-to-Work" board. Add cards for:

• Emails to respond to

• Meetings to prepare for

• Projects to restart

4. Flora: Green Focus

Flora is a free app that helps you stay focused through timed “focus-mode” sessions. The unique twist? While you work, you grow a virtual tree! Leave focus mode early, and your tree will wither, making it a fun yet motivating way to minimise distractions. You can also create in-app to do lists, track your weekly focus habits, and connect with your team to grow your garden together.

SD Tip: Use Flora for time-blocking tasks like clearing your inbox or writing reports. Want more visuals and features? Upgrade to the premium app ‘Forest’ for an enhanced experience.

5. Spark: Get Your Inbox in Order

Feeling overwhelmed by an inbox that’s bursting at the seams with unread emails to reply to? Spark is an email management tool that helps clean up your inbox faster and easier by sorting emails into personal, newsletter and notification categories for easy processing. It also offers features like email scheduling, email reminders and team collaboration on shared drafts and assignments.

SD Tip: Dedicate 15 minutes daily to inbox cleanup using Spark’s smart categorisation to regain control of your workflow.

By incorporating these tools and tips, we hope you’ll not only ease back into work but also set the tone for a productive, stress-free year ahead.