The pace of life and business increases on a daily basis. If you feel like you are on the move from the time you wake up until bedtime, you’re not alone. Yes, you can use your computer, smartphone or another device to organize your day. To get the most out of your day, it is still important to practice proper time management at work.
Show Up on Time
It should go without saying, but you need to be at work to be productive. Yes, this applies even if you work from home. The first step in time management is showing up on time. This gives you the chance to get a jump on the day and accomplish everything on your to-do list.
Write Out A To-Do List
The honey-do list follows you to work. This time, though it is not your spouse or loved one writing it, you are.
- Each day before you leave work, look at your schedule for the next day.
- Write out a to-do list based on that schedule.
- Hang it or place it somewhere you can easily see it the next day.
- Make it a habit to check this list every morning and throughout the day. This keeps your focus on work and allows you to meet deadlines on time with minimal stress.
Delegate
If you delegate portions of larger projects to co-workers, everyone can improve their time management.
- Check with the others working on the project and see what their strengths are.
- Delegate elements based on strengths.
- Check in regularly to keep yourself and everyone else on task.
- Add little incentives if you delegate, for instance, a snack for the team. Treats help motivate!
Limit Distractions
Distractions are not only time-consuming but are potential safety risks depending on your job.
- Turn the phone off as you walk into work. Only check it at lunch time.
- Close your office door if you have trouble focusing.
- Log out of your email if you are working on a task. If a co-worker needs you they can call or talk to you in person.
Build in Time for Mental Breaks
There is a time to work and there is a time to play. Make sure you balance the two before burnout hits.
- Leave work at work. This helps manage time because it separates work and life into two separate categories.
- Get up and walk. This is not only a good thing for your physical health, it will help your mental health. A walk also allows you to regain focus and break projects into more manageable pieces.
- The weekend is yours. If you are in a traditional office job, leave it there until Monday. Make sure you do enough on Friday that you are not behind the ball on Monday.
Take a look at what drains the time from your day and decide where you can apply these tips.
