Time Management at Work: How to Get the Most Out of Your Day

Introduction

Time management is the process of planning and organizing how to spend your time in order to accomplish tasks and goals. It’s important to manage your time at work effectively in order to be productive, stay organized, and reduce stress. By learning how to manage your time, you can make the most of your day and achieve success.

Develop a Schedule

The first step in time management is to plan out your day. Take a few minutes each morning to create a daily to-do list. Prioritize tasks by importance, with the most important ones listed first. This will help you focus on what needs to be done and stay on track throughout the day.

It’s also helpful to set deadlines for yourself. Break down big projects into smaller tasks and assign a timeline for completing each task. This way, you’ll be able to see your progress and stay motivated.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks throughout the day is an important part of time management. A study published in the journal Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that taking regular breaks during the workday improved cognitive performance and reduced fatigue.¹

Allow yourself to take a few five-minute breaks throughout the day. Use these mini-breaks to get up and move around, grab a snack, or take a few deep breaths. This will help you feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next task.

Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can be a major obstacle when it comes to managing your time. To avoid getting sidetracked, turn off email notifications, mute your phone, and close out of any social media sites. If possible, designate specific times of the day for checking emails and responding to messages.

If there are people around who tend to distract you, politely let them know when you need to focus. You can also try wearing headphones, listening to music, or working in a quiet area.

Delegate Tasks

Sometimes, it’s impossible to do everything on your own. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate tasks to others. According to a survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review, more than 40% of employees say they have too much work on their plate.² By delegating tasks, you can lighten your workload and free up time for other tasks.

If you’re a manager, delegate tasks to employees based on their strengths and abilities. This will help them develop new skills and give them a sense of accomplishment.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries with coworkers and supervisors to keep from being overworked. Let them know when you are available and how much time you need for certain tasks. That way, you won’t be overloaded with work or asked to do things outside of your job description.

Setting boundaries is also beneficial for your mental health. Research from the American Psychological Association found that boundary-setting is associated with lower levels of burnout and higher levels of job satisfaction.³

Conclusion

Time management is essential for success at work. By developing a schedule, taking breaks, eliminating distractions, delegating tasks, and setting boundaries, you can make the most of your day and increase your productivity. Implementing these strategies will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and accomplish your goals.

¹ Fathi, M., & Schulz, S. (2017). Cognitive Performance Benefits From Taking Short Breaks From Work. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 145, 139–153. doi:10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.12.004

² Waber, B., Ogilvie, D., & Weisberg, J. (2015). Too Much to Do: Time Pressure and Queue Size in Knowledge Work. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2015/06/too-much-to-do

³ Geurts, S. A. E., Taris, T. W., & Kompier, M. A. J. (2007). The Relationship Between Boundary Setting and Burnout: A Longitudinal Study. American Psychological Association, 62(4), 513–526. doi:10.1037/0022-006x.62.4.