Time management is a phrase commonly used in resumes, interviews or maybe on a poster in your office- but do the people that use this phrase really understand its meaning and practice it in the workplace?

In business, time management is very important not only for your personal benefit but for your co-workers, clients and anyone else you interact with. Do you give yourself enough time to complete your tasks? Do you prioritize them based on deadlines? Do you allow room for interruptions that may occur? If you answered ‘no’ to any of these questions, you may need to improve your time management skills.

It is understandable that some may not know where to start when it comes to time management- so we have listed a few key practices that will help below.

How to Manage Your Time Wisely

• Prepare for interruptions: As a professional, interruptions happen- sometimes good, sometimes not so good- but you need to be ready for them. A deadline does not change just because a conflict came up and you will still be expected to finish your work.
• Plan Ahead: If you have a reoccurring commitment like a meeting every Wednesday you should always plan around that. You know it is going to happen, so there is no excuse if you forget to fit it into your schedule.
• Make a To-Do List: This may sound basic, but it really works! Either the night before or in the morning, write down everything you need to get done that day. By writing these down you can see exactly what you have to get done that day and it feels great to check off tasks as you go! (It helps to put a star next to the most important tasks)
• 30 Seconds or Less: When handed a new task, ask yourself if it can be completed in 30 seconds or less. If so, go ahead and do it! If not, write it down on your To-Do list and complete it when you can.
• Be Organized: There is no greater way to waste your time than by being unorganized. Take the time to make sure everything is easily accessible, filed correctly and in order— your life will be much easier as will your work day.

These are just a few of the strategies we employ at Avalon Communications as we know that time is precious for both our clients and the media.

How do you manage your time in the workplace? Comment below!

Don’t forget to Follow Us on Twitter and Like Us on Facebook!