Year End: A Merry Work Holiday

by Anne Panopio | December 5, 2025

Behind The Scenes

With 2025 coming to a close, we may find ourselves in one of the busiest seasons of the year, both in our professional and personal lives. From checking on team targets and ensuring manpower coverage during the month with the most national holidays, to making time to hang out and unwind with friends and family, we may find ourselves a bit overwhelmed with our own checklists.

Taking time off her own busy schedule to write this blog is Anne Panopio, Manager of the Tutor Growth Department! Learn all about Anne’s time and task management best practices, and how she applies them on and off the clock.

avatar

Before the Festivities Begin

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

How long have you been working for RareJob Philippines, Inc.?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

RareJob has been my work home since 2012, so it has already been 13 years of learning, growing, and meeting wonderful people. Through the years, I moved into different roles such as part-time trainer, full-time trainer, specialist, supervisor, assistant manager, and now manager, which still feels surreal whenever I look back on it. Being part of different teams helped me understand operations better and taught me new ways to support tutors, programs, and also the Tutor Growth Department.

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

As one of RareJob PH’s managers, what do you think are the top things to consider when plotting tasks and projects that would encompass a busy month such as December?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

December is always festive in the Philippines, so we prepare as early as possible. At the start of November, the Tutor Growth Department finalizes schedules to set expectations ahead of time.

We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season with their loved ones while still ensuring smooth operations. Since activity naturally slows down around Christmas and New Year, many of us also take that time to rest.

Early planning helps us finish strong without burning out. It allows us to balance operations with rest, celebration, and quality time at home. We adjust operations, pace deliverables, and clarify expectations so work becomes lighter and easier for everyone.

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

From your experience, what type of support best suits your department members in terms of task assignment and schedule management during this season?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

In the Tutor Growth Department, early planning and open discussion make all the difference. We encourage everyone to openly share schedules and holiday plans so tasks can be adjusted across the team or even the whole department. We also send internal reminders and conduct check-ins to keep alignment clear throughout the month.

This keeps us moving as one instead of as separate individuals. I’m genuinely proud of the department because of how proactive they are in preparing ahead, giving support to one another, and making sure deadlines are met. That collective effort is what makes December manageable.

avatar
Anne's home office

Basking in the Holiday Spirit

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

Usually, the end of the year is a festive season for most people, and even at work, everyone feels even just a bit of holiday spirit. Does your department have anything planned for such?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

Yes. We’ll be having a simple year-end gathering together with the Tutor Success Department. Since our work is closely connected, it’s nice to spend time together outside KPIs and tasks.

There will be good food, laughter, and light conversations, which make the celebration something to look forward to. It’s a good way to end the year with the people you go through both challenges and milestones with.

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

Speaking of gatherings, many people have their own parties with friends and family at this time. Do you have personal events that you are looking forward to?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

December is also my birthday month, so I always look forward to slowing down, seeing friends, and spending time with people I love. It’s my moment to pause, reflect, and breathe.

Growing up, Christmas was always warm and joyful, and I want my daughter, Lily, to feel the same. This year we’ll be watching Disney On Ice again. It’s becoming one of our holiday traditions, and she’s already excited. We’ll also be going home to our provinces to visit family, which is something I look forward to. These moments remind me what matters most.

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

Multiple holidays in a month means less work days; how do you ensure your work/life balance during such a hectic time?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

Planning early really helps me manage the rush of the season. As early as September, I already map out reunions, gatherings, and activities so schedules do not overlap. I rely on calendars and to-do lists to keep everything clear and manageable. When plans are written down, they feel lighter and less overwhelming, so yes, I highly recommend maximizing your digital calendars.

I also prepare our Christmas list and buy gifts in advance. Both sides of our families are big, which means we have a lot of celebrations lined up. We already know Christmas will get busy, so we try to stay present and enjoy instead of rushing from one event to another.

avatar

The Season of Joy

avatar

Human Resources

Employee Relations

With how busy things can get, it is easy to get swamped by work and personal commitments at this time. What advice can you give others on how they can manage such, and still enjoy the holiday season?

avatar

Anne Panopoio

Tutor Growth Department Manager

Small habits like scheduling and organizing can make a big difference, especially in a packed month. These help us prioritize what matters, pace ourselves, and know when it is time to slow down. The holidays are meant to be felt and experienced, not just checked off like another task.

Let this season remind us that even in busy seasons, we can make space for joy, connection, and rest. I hope we all find time to celebrate small wins, hold loved ones close, and welcome the new year with a lighter heart.
Happy Holidays, RareJob Philippines! 🎄✨