Learning the art of effective time management is increasingly important in today's hectic, technology-obsessed world. Especially in the current financial climate with so many redundancies occurring it is crucial to get tasks done efficiently and be productive.
Benefits of Workplace Time Management
Effective time management skills help increase productivity, improve staff morale, increase efficiency, help establish and maintain good work relationships and in turn create a more positive workplace environment. Time management is a fundamental part of any successful business as the bottom line is that time costs money.
Time Management and Technology
Technology has often been described as being both a blessing and a curse particularly in today's fast-moving world where there are more ways of staying in touch than ever before. This should in theory save time as emails can be checked via blackberry or I-phone on business travel or en route to work. However, having more gadgets can simple result in more stress with a constant impulse to check for texts and messages taking time away from getting important tasks completed.
Time Management and Phone Usage
There are several ways to reduce time wasting on the phone including the following: use caller ID, put voicemail on, shut off the ringer, have a designated time each day (such as first thing and late afternoon) to check calls and get straight to the point. An enormous amount of time can be wasted every single day on pointless chitchat so it is a good idea to think for a minute before making a call exactly what it is one needs to know and do not get diverted off the subject by the other person.
It is also helpful to have an excuse to hand to get rid of salespeople or those who prefer gossiping to working. Common ways to end the call quickly include saying things like, 'I've got someone waiting for me downstairs' or 'There's a call waiting from such and such department' or ' I'm due in a staff meeting in a few minutes.' Setting time limits for calls is a good practice to get in to as gradually one will become more used to keeping conversations short and to the point.
As highlighted above, time management skills and communication skills are important for improving staff morale and reducing time wasted on long phone calls and office politics or workplace conflicts. Learning to limit phone calls through quickly getting straight to the point will also help with productivity and efficiency.
Source:
Adams, B. (2001) The Everything Time Management Book Avon: Adams Media
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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