15 answers
Quiana
Student
Richmond, Virginia
5
Questions
Asked
774 views
How do you improve time management at work?
#time-management , #data entry, #revenue cycle
Login to comment
15 answers
Dexter Arver
Senior Manager, Web Applications
234
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Quiana,
For me, I've improved time management by using a few strategies:
* Using checklists
* Blocking off specific hours of my calendar
For me utilizing checklists came naturally as a way to take my mind off of important tasks and reduce anxiety. Then I would not think too much about these tasks until I really needed to, which also gave me urgency to work on these tasks. There are so many ways to do it, but I've found myself using digital solutions (instead of sticky notes or pen/paper) as they have helpful notifications that can really spur me on.
For blocking off calendars, it gave me specific hours of the day to focus on specific tasks without being bothered. If your work allows it, it can really help!
I hope these tips help! Wishing you the best!
--
Dexter
For me, I've improved time management by using a few strategies:
* Using checklists
* Blocking off specific hours of my calendar
For me utilizing checklists came naturally as a way to take my mind off of important tasks and reduce anxiety. Then I would not think too much about these tasks until I really needed to, which also gave me urgency to work on these tasks. There are so many ways to do it, but I've found myself using digital solutions (instead of sticky notes or pen/paper) as they have helpful notifications that can really spur me on.
For blocking off calendars, it gave me specific hours of the day to focus on specific tasks without being bothered. If your work allows it, it can really help!
I hope these tips help! Wishing you the best!
--
Dexter
Your advice was so helpful!
Edmund
Awesome! Thank you for letting me know, Edmund!
Dexter Arver
Neil Fisher, CPSM
Supply Chain Professional
3
Answers
New Orleans, Louisiana
Updated
Neil’s Answer
Hi Quiana,
I've used Microsoft Outlook to automate my emails for various repetitive activities in order to be consistent and efficient with my time. Under the signatures, I've drafted emails and saved them with highlighted text that may just need a quick adjustment for the particular subject. For example in my profession, I send out a monthly price update to internal peers and stakeholders for price changes in a contract. I have the effective date highlighted so I remember to update it before sending. This saves me several minutes of having to recreate the message. Over the year, it saves me upwards of an hour. These small efficiencies will add up.
Hope this tip helps!
I've used Microsoft Outlook to automate my emails for various repetitive activities in order to be consistent and efficient with my time. Under the signatures, I've drafted emails and saved them with highlighted text that may just need a quick adjustment for the particular subject. For example in my profession, I send out a monthly price update to internal peers and stakeholders for price changes in a contract. I have the effective date highlighted so I remember to update it before sending. This saves me several minutes of having to recreate the message. Over the year, it saves me upwards of an hour. These small efficiencies will add up.
Hope this tip helps!
Brianne Mueller
Category Leader
17
Answers
Cypress, Texas
Updated
Brianne’s Answer
Hi Quiana! I would like to echo what Dexter advised on time management and just build on it a little bit. Using checklists and blocking time on your calendar are really good ways to prioritize and stay on track. I do this regularly and I live by my checklists! It's how I ensure that I get everything done and don't miss anything, and it helps you keep pace. Another thing that I do is create calendar reminders for myself as well. If I need to send a communication or have a deadline for a project, I'll create a calendar reminder to not only block time to complete the activity, but to also serve as a reminder.
You can do all of this as a student too! It will help make these behaviors more natural when you get into the workplace. You'll already be effective at your own time management.
Good luck!
Brie
You can do all of this as a student too! It will help make these behaviors more natural when you get into the workplace. You'll already be effective at your own time management.
Good luck!
Brie
Joel Schnee
Sr. Director of Software Engineering
7
Answers
Purcellville, Virginia
Updated
Joel’s Answer
What I find helpful is creating a morning list of what I want to get done. As some have said, then look at pockets during the day I can block out to focus on these things if there is not already time allotted for one of the items on the list. Try to set an ending time for the day also, to make sure you are disconnecting and review the list to help consider the next day. Rinse and repeat. There are going to be disruptions that effect this, but its a way to organize your thoughts each day and prioritize. Each morning it also allows you to think about what you are not progressing well on completing and consider why that is. Can you do something about it or even question is it really as important anymore.
Sara Beth Martin
Sales
12
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Sara Beth’s Answer
Hi Quiana!
I have found creating a schedule for myself helps with my time management at work. I create my schedule by first setting goals for the week. Then I prioritize my goals in order of importance. Next I break down my goals into manageable tasks. After that I block out any team or customer meetings I might have and fill in the rest of my time with the tasks. You can write down your weekly schedule on a virtual or physical calendar to keep you on track throughout the week. The most important part is finding what works best for you because everyone is different. Hope this helps!
I have found creating a schedule for myself helps with my time management at work. I create my schedule by first setting goals for the week. Then I prioritize my goals in order of importance. Next I break down my goals into manageable tasks. After that I block out any team or customer meetings I might have and fill in the rest of my time with the tasks. You can write down your weekly schedule on a virtual or physical calendar to keep you on track throughout the week. The most important part is finding what works best for you because everyone is different. Hope this helps!
Priti Mahajan
5
Answers
Updated
Priti’s Answer
Creating Task list, creating discipline, Self-awareness and understanding weakness/strength, learning to say "no", planning for next day earlier night
Shruti Bangad
Data Engineer
30
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Shruti’s Answer
Put it on paper.
Make a checklist
Reward yourself for accomplishing goals
don't stress about iti.
Be ready to pivot as per changing priorities
Make a checklist
Reward yourself for accomplishing goals
don't stress about iti.
Be ready to pivot as per changing priorities
Vijayakumar Ramdoss
Engineer
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Vijayakumar’s Answer
1. Create a Daily Plan
2. Peg a Time Limit to Each Task
3. Use a Calendar
4. Use an Organizer
5. Know Your Deadlines
6. Learn to Say “No”
7. Target to Be Early
8. Time Box Your Activities
9. Have a Clock Visibly Placed Before You
10. Set Reminders 15 Minutes Before
11. Focus
12. Block out Distractions
13. Track Your Time Spent
14. Don’t Fuss About Unimportant Details
15. Prioritize
16. Delegate
17. Batch Similar Tasks Together
18. Eliminate Your Time Wasters
19. Cut off When You Need To
20. Leave Buffer Time In-Between
2. Peg a Time Limit to Each Task
3. Use a Calendar
4. Use an Organizer
5. Know Your Deadlines
6. Learn to Say “No”
7. Target to Be Early
8. Time Box Your Activities
9. Have a Clock Visibly Placed Before You
10. Set Reminders 15 Minutes Before
11. Focus
12. Block out Distractions
13. Track Your Time Spent
14. Don’t Fuss About Unimportant Details
15. Prioritize
16. Delegate
17. Batch Similar Tasks Together
18. Eliminate Your Time Wasters
19. Cut off When You Need To
20. Leave Buffer Time In-Between
Alexander Fenev, CFE
Internal Audit
2
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Alexander’s Answer
Hello Quiana,
From my experience and discussing with peers, we have discussed what we have found what helps us the best:
- Organization: This is extremely important, especially when tasks start to pile up and deadlines must be met.
- Journaling: Digitally or a notebook would be a great way to keep organized. A simple "To-Do" List can go a long way in making sure no tasks are forgotten.
- Prioritization: During the workday, many projects come across our desks. We have have 2 large projects or 10 small projects. It is important to recognize the importance of deadlines to be met for more important projects. Additionally, it may help to break a large project down into smaller bits. This will make the task more manageable, and you will be able to complete multiple areas in a shorter time.
- Flexibility: Sometimes, even when we try the hardest, some overtime is necessary. It is important to recognize when you have to put in additional hours after work or on a day off (holiday/weekend) in order to meet important deadlines. It is not always fun, however your work will not go unnoticed, and this will eventually lead to your success in the company.
From my experience and discussing with peers, we have discussed what we have found what helps us the best:
- Organization: This is extremely important, especially when tasks start to pile up and deadlines must be met.
- Journaling: Digitally or a notebook would be a great way to keep organized. A simple "To-Do" List can go a long way in making sure no tasks are forgotten.
- Prioritization: During the workday, many projects come across our desks. We have have 2 large projects or 10 small projects. It is important to recognize the importance of deadlines to be met for more important projects. Additionally, it may help to break a large project down into smaller bits. This will make the task more manageable, and you will be able to complete multiple areas in a shorter time.
- Flexibility: Sometimes, even when we try the hardest, some overtime is necessary. It is important to recognize when you have to put in additional hours after work or on a day off (holiday/weekend) in order to meet important deadlines. It is not always fun, however your work will not go unnoticed, and this will eventually lead to your success in the company.
Joe Golio
System architect
11
Answers
Prior Lake, Minnesota
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Time management is key, regardless if it's at work or at home. Prioritize your tasks, work on the most important things first, followed by the next most important, but setting goals is key to keeping you on track. You will always be faced with conflicting priorities and more work than you have time to complete, so it's key to making sure you have clear priority direction from your leader so that when the inevitable conflicts arise, you can justify what you work on based on priority.
Surya Mudunuri
Software
5
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Surya’s Answer
Time management is important for several reasons, Being good at managing your time also means you will be less stressed. Using effective time management strategies means you will be more productive because you are more organized.
Figure out how you’re currently spending your time.
Prioritize wisely
Delegate tasks
Remove non-essential tasks/activities
Get organized
Surya recommends the following next steps:
Michael Ward
Consulting Manager
1
Answer
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Improving time management at work is essential for increased productivity and efficiency. Here are several strategies you can implement to enhance your time management skills:
Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This will provide a clear direction and help you prioritize your tasks effectively.
Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks and focus on completing them first. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (dividing tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, neither urgent nor important) to determine priorities.
Plan and schedule: Create a daily or weekly schedule to allocate time for different tasks and activities. Use tools like calendars, planners, or task management software to organize and track your schedule.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. This makes it easier to approach them and gives you a sense of progress as you complete each step.
Avoid multitasking: Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can actually reduce productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time to improve concentration and quality of work. Once you complete a task, move on to the next.
Minimize distractions: Identify and eliminate or minimize distractions that hinder your productivity. This can include turning off notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, or finding a quiet space to work.
Delegate and outsource: If possible, delegate tasks that can be handled by others or consider outsourcing certain responsibilities. This frees up your time to focus on high-priority tasks that require your expertise.
Learn to say no: It's important to set boundaries and say no to tasks or commitments that don't align with your goals or priorities. Be realistic about what you can handle and don't overcommit yourself.
Take regular breaks: Breaks are essential for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Incorporate short breaks into your schedule to relax and recharge. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working for a set time period, followed by a short break) to enhance productivity.
Reflect and evaluate: Regularly review your progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your time management strategies accordingly. Learn from your experiences and refine your approach over time.
Remember, improving time management is a gradual process. Implementing these strategies consistently and adapting them to your specific work environment will help you develop effective time management habits and boost your productivity.
Set clear goals: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. This will provide a clear direction and help you prioritize your tasks effectively.
Prioritize tasks: Identify the most important and urgent tasks and focus on completing them first. Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (dividing tasks into four categories: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, neither urgent nor important) to determine priorities.
Plan and schedule: Create a daily or weekly schedule to allocate time for different tasks and activities. Use tools like calendars, planners, or task management software to organize and track your schedule.
Break tasks into smaller steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable sub-tasks. This makes it easier to approach them and gives you a sense of progress as you complete each step.
Avoid multitasking: Contrary to popular belief, multitasking can actually reduce productivity. Instead, focus on one task at a time to improve concentration and quality of work. Once you complete a task, move on to the next.
Minimize distractions: Identify and eliminate or minimize distractions that hinder your productivity. This can include turning off notifications, closing unnecessary browser tabs, or finding a quiet space to work.
Delegate and outsource: If possible, delegate tasks that can be handled by others or consider outsourcing certain responsibilities. This frees up your time to focus on high-priority tasks that require your expertise.
Learn to say no: It's important to set boundaries and say no to tasks or commitments that don't align with your goals or priorities. Be realistic about what you can handle and don't overcommit yourself.
Take regular breaks: Breaks are essential for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Incorporate short breaks into your schedule to relax and recharge. Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working for a set time period, followed by a short break) to enhance productivity.
Reflect and evaluate: Regularly review your progress, identify areas for improvement, and adjust your time management strategies accordingly. Learn from your experiences and refine your approach over time.
Remember, improving time management is a gradual process. Implementing these strategies consistently and adapting them to your specific work environment will help you develop effective time management habits and boost your productivity.
Kalyani Borkar
B.Tech in IT
9
Answers
Wardha, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Kalyani’s Answer
Simple by following the principle of 8+8+8 rule. Below is detail explation of it.
I am following it since couple of yrs.
https://goodhabits.quora.com/How-to-make-free-time-in-a-hectic-schedule-1?ch=10&share=39f4d1c2&srid=pNXrc
I am following it since couple of yrs.
https://goodhabits.quora.com/How-to-make-free-time-in-a-hectic-schedule-1?ch=10&share=39f4d1c2&srid=pNXrc
Shirley Zhang
Health Care Analyst
6
Answers
Troy, Michigan
Updated
Shirley’s Answer
Below are some tips I am using to improve my time management:
1. Make list of what to do and prioritize your tasks.
2. Be prepared before start work on the tasks. For example, research the topics, communicate with replated persons.
3. Utilize calendar apps (for example, MS Outlook) to set flags on estimate completion date
4. Focus on one thing at a time.
1. Make list of what to do and prioritize your tasks.
2. Be prepared before start work on the tasks. For example, research the topics, communicate with replated persons.
3. Utilize calendar apps (for example, MS Outlook) to set flags on estimate completion date
4. Focus on one thing at a time.
Kelly Sudderth-Truscott
Executive
12
Answers
Lansing, Michigan
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
- Time blocking and group tasks!
- Close your email app while you're working on a project or body of work. Mute your chat/Slack, phone, etc. No distractions! Let your manager and teammates know that you're offline for focused project time and tell them when you'll be back on to respond. If it's really an emergency, they'll call you on the phone the old fashioned way!
- Close your email app while you're working on a project or body of work. Mute your chat/Slack, phone, etc. No distractions! Let your manager and teammates know that you're offline for focused project time and tell them when you'll be back on to respond. If it's really an emergency, they'll call you on the phone the old fashioned way!