Feeling tense because of too much to do? Time management skills can help you get things under control.
- Make a list of everything you want to do today.
- Prioritize tasks and do the important ones when you energy is high and resources are available.
- Break down tasks into bite-sized chunks.
- Consolidate similar trips and tasks. Make all outgoing phone calls in one session. Drive to the cleaners, library and the grocery store all in one trip.
- Delegate as much as possible. Can coworkers, children, spouse or roommate take over some tasks?
- Reduce paperwork by handling each piece of paper only once. Throw away junk mail without opening it.
- Avoid time-wasters. If someone calls or drops by to "just chat," arrange to talk later.
- Homemade isn’t always better! Throw potluck dinner parties instead of trying to do it all yourself. If you don’t have time to shop for gifts, give gift certificates.
- Be prepared. Mentally rehearse a stressful situation so you’ll have several alternatives when the time comes. Gather any resource you’ll need.
- Ask for help. Admit when you’ve got too many "priorities."
Employee Assistance Services presents workshops which cover several time wasters that are commonly found in the workplace:
- Poor organization and clutter
- Interruptions
- Failure to delegate
- Unnecessary meetings
- Procrastination
- Poor planning
It is important to identify the time wasters that you experience with any frequency and to develop a strategy to eliminate them from your workday. If your company has Employee Assistance Services (EAS) as a benefit, contact our Director to arrange for a series of 10-minute modules on TIME MANAGEMENT for your team…and see the difference!! |
