Insider Tips for Effective Time Management in the Workplace

Whether you’re an employee or a leader, time management skills are essential. Poor time management can lead to burnout and excessive stress, while effective time management can save you valuable energy and improve your work life balance.

Developing SMART goals, calendar blocking and other techniques are useful for managing tasks efficiently. These Insider tips can help you master the art of time management in the workplace.

1. Determine Your Priorities

The most effective way to prioritize tasks is to consider the level of effort needed to complete each one. This can help you get more done each day and be more realistic about what you actually can accomplish.

For example, The Muse founder Alex Cavoulacos recommends starting each day assuming you can achieve one big thing, three medium things and five small things. You can then plan the rest of your work around these.

You can also use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to assess the importance and urgency of each task. Prioritize urgent and important tasks first, using the “eat the frog” principle. Then, plan when you’ll tackle the important but not urgent tasks and delegate or eliminate the unimportant and urgent ones.

2. Set Time Limits

Keeping track of how much time you spend on each task is crucial. For large tasks, try breaking them into smaller “time boxes” with a specific deadline. This will prevent you from lingering over a task and will force you to move on once the allocated time is up. This will also help you manage your natural tendency to be a perfectionist and make sure you are focusing on achieving results.

Another method is to make a schedule for yourself before you leave work. This way, you can start your day off with a clear list of tasks that need to be done. This will also reduce anxiety and stress, as you’ll know you are making tangible progress every day. This practice can take time to form into sustainable habits, but it will help you feel more in control of your work.

3. Be Cautious About Commitments

It’s important to remember that not every time management strategy works for everyone. This is especially true if you find yourself stressed or feeling overwhelmed. Don’t rush to implement a new strategy. Instead, give each one a month before reassessing it.

For example, if you notice that most of your productivity comes from just two tasks, consider applying Pareto’s 80/20 rule. This means that you should prioritize and schedule tasks based on their importance and productivity levels.

Similarly, it’s okay to say no to tasks that are not your priorities. Be prepared to delegate these tasks, or eliminate them altogether if necessary. This will help prevent procrastination and ensure you’re working on the most pressing matters. You can also use methods to “chunk” your time, such as scheduling similar tasks together or dividing larger goals into smaller ones.

4. Be Early

One of the simplest things you can do to improve your work efficiency is to arrive at work early. This will give you time to get settled in and start working without feeling rushed or frazzled. It will also show your boss and coworkers that you are reliable and dedicated to your job.

Similarly, it is important to leave work early when necessary. This can help to create a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout. However, it is important to be selective with the times you choose to stay late or work extra hours. Doing so could annoy your coworkers and make them question your commitment to the company.

Avoid procrastination by completing high-priority tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are highest. Then, schedule lower-priority activities for Fridays and other low-energy times of the week.

5. Take Breaks

Research shows that taking breaks boosts productivity, mental well-being, and decision making. It’s also a great way to reduce stress, which is essential for professional success.

It’s easy to miss or ignore breaks, so it’s important that supervisors and coworkers encourage them. Consider having a team meeting to discuss the benefits of break time and ways to incorporate them into daily routines.

If you find it hard to remember to take breaks, set alarms on your computer or phone to remind you. Or try using the Pomodoro Technique or the 52-17 Method to work in short bursts with breaks. By being able to step back and reassess projects, you can make better decisions about your priorities and goals. You’ll also be able to delegate tasks more effectively and manage your time more efficiently.