Without a time management strategy, 70% of workers feel out of control with their workload, and on average, spend 51% of their day on tasks that offer little to no value. 

Leaders and employees should develop time management skills to boost productivity and end the day feeling more satisfied. When employees feel on top of their tasks and productive, it creates excitement for the next workday, rather than dread. 

Here are four time management tips to share with your team:  

Eliminate distractions  

While this may seem obvious, it is much easier said than done. The typical office worker gets interrupted or changes tasks every three minutes, making it difficult for workers to stay focused for long periods of time.  

One way to reduce distractions is by encouraging employees to put their phones away and hold off on responding to emails or messages until they finish their current task. Many workers feel pressured to reply immediately, but this can become a distraction. It’s important for employees to recognize the value of staying focused and completing their tasks before addressing messages and getting carried away with new tasks.  

Make a priority list 

Encourage employees to plan their day by prioritizing tasks that need immediate attention and identifying which can wait. This approach helps them manage their time more effectively and focus on one task at a time, rather than juggling several. 

Leaders should encourage employees to write out their task list, either on paper or digitally, to give them a clear visual of their progress. Seeing tasks laid out can help employees stay focused and on track. 

Utilize organizational tools 

Equip your employees with the resources they need to stay organized. This could include offering physical tools like calendars or planners for writing down tasks and goals.  

Leaders can also suggest apps or websites where employees can digitally manage their tasks, giving them flexible options to stay organized in a way that works best for them. 

Take breaks  

Allowing employees to take brain breaks is crucial for effective time management. When employees are tired and stressed but push through tasks, it often results in poor performance and more mistakes. 

However, taking breaks helps employees’ recharge and return to work with a clear mind. Leaders should encourage activities like going for a walk, grabbing a snack, or chatting with coworkers, giving employees the freedom to relax and reset as needed. 

When employees understand how to better manage their time, there will be increased motivation and productivity. Time management is an important skill for employees to learn, so leaders should consider sharing these tips with their team.