How to get ahead at work in 2026

With a new year upon us, many people start thinking about how they can make the most of their time at work. Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, looking to develop new skills or simply want to feel more confident in your role, the start of the year is an ideal time to reset and refocus.

Putting the right measures in place early can give you the best chance of achieving your career goals and continuing to grow professionally. Small, consistent changes to how you work can have a big impact over the course of the year.

So, how can you make the coming year a success at work?

How to make the coming year a success at work

Take control of your diary

At work, it’s easy to become distracted by low-priority tasks such as constantly checking emails or attending unnecessary meetings. Instead, focus on work that maximises workplace productivity and delivers the best outcomes for your employer.

Try to spend as little time as possible on low-impact, low-urgency tasks.

Network

Building your professional network is a critical step towards achieving your career goals. Develop connections with people who are further along in their careers, as their experience and insight can prove invaluable.

Share your goals with those around you, even people outside your industry. You never know where unexpected opportunities or connections may arise.

Develop your skills

Set aside time each week to work on skills you would like to develop further. Focus on skills that are in high demand. Increasingly, these are soft skills that cannot be easily replicated by technology, such as problem-solving, adaptability and communication.

Delegate more often

No one can do everything on their own. Where appropriate, delegate tasks to colleagues who have the skills and capacity to complete them effectively.

Do what you say you are going to do
The importance of being reliable at work cannot be underestimated. If you are unable to meet a deadline, make sure you communicate the reason clearly and as early as possible.

Seek feedback at work

The beginning of a new year is an ideal time to ask for feedback. Speak with your manager about how you performed over the previous year and where improvements can be made.

Taking action in response to feedback is more important than simply asking for it. There is little value in receiving feedback if you do not use it to learn and improve.

With this in mind, be prepared to accept constructive criticism. If feedback is unclear, ask questions to ensure you fully understand what is being communicated.

Listen to others

Listening at work is a skill that is often undervalued. When someone else is speaking, focus on what they are saying rather than planning your response. Wherever possible, avoid interrupting and allow others to finish their thoughts.

While these strategies can help you get more out of your current role, they can also reveal whether your job is still helping you move forward. If your efforts aren’t leading to growth or new opportunities, it may be time to consider your next step and how best to position yourself for it.

Are you looking for a new career? Selection Criteria Writers can help. We offer a range of professional services, including resume writing and LinkedIn profile writing, to support your next move.

Article References

Hays (n.d) ‘8 things to set your career up for success next year’, Hays, accessed 5 January 2026.

Tattersall, H (2 January 2026) ‘‘Broccoli time’ and 16 other small shifts to get ahead at work’, Financial Review, accessed 5 January 2026.