‘Circling back’ in the new year is an absolute laugh

As the Christmas break creeps closer, workers across Australia are starting to break out the patented pushback saying of “circling back” – a designated excuse that puts those unfinished projects out of sight and out of mind for the summer break.

“I’ll circle back in the new year” is arguably one of the biggest porkies uttered in workplace discussions this close to Christmas, and the data supports it. According to Atlassian’s latest research, 72 per cent of Aussie workers will finish the year with incomplete tasks, with one in five projects that were started this year ultimately going unfinished and postponed to 2025.

The kicker? Twenty-nine per cent of these projects will never be resumed in 2025, tossed into the void with no urgency of completion. According to the research, this can be derived from fewer than one in three workers feeling confident that they can quickly resume postponed projects in the new year.

Adding on to that, half of Aussie respondents (52 per cent) cited unexpected challenges arising or shifting priorities/goals as key reasons for unfinished projects. By mid-December (11–20 December), 70 per cent of workers have either wrapped up all tasks or decided to push them back to the following year.

To help manage this period, Atlassian offered workers some “asynchronous work” tips on how to manage this end-of-year deadline:

• Capture context now for clarity post-holidays: Async work requires clearly documenting progress, decisions, and next steps in accessible formats like written documents, videos, or voice notes. Before you head out on PTO, publish a Confluence page (check out this OOO plan template) or record a Loom video that provides updates, suggested next steps, and context so team members can make progress while you’re out. Doing so means you can disconnect, knowing you set your team – and your future self – up for success.

• Time is of the essence, so think async first: When the pressure to complete projects mounts, it’s easy to default to scheduling a meeting. However, meetings are time-consuming and often not as productive as intended. Before scheduling a meeting (or accepting one!), think about what you’re really trying to accomplish. If it’s a status update, relaying information, or an FYI, keep it async and send your teammate a Loom instead.

• If it’s not worth circling back on, scrap it now: Most people try to do too many things at once, which slows them down and lowers the quality of their work. Use this moment to let go of low-impact projects and focus on the work that truly matters. For tasks deemed “circlebackable”, reflect the new deadline on your planning pages and shared calendars so everyone is on the same page.

• Be realistic about your calendar: As the year’s end approaches, timebox your calendar to make sure you have enough focus time to get your most important work done. Pick a few important things to see over the finish line (rather than trying to make a little progress on everything).

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.