Time management on the job is a real issue. Distractions, emails, meetings, deadlines, demands, requests, priorities are the chain of things you have to handle efficiently, or they will ruin your day.

And you're not alone. People around you also miserably keep trying what’s the best method of their work pattern. But there's good news. Improving your time management at work isn't nearly as hard as you might think. And the gains can be huge. 

Everyone has different ways, but we can learn a few essential tips and techniques—the most effective ways to manage your time.  

Your time management starts when you wake up

Your day starts from the moment you wake up. Plan a realistic ‘pre-work routine’ that ensures you get to work as early as possible. Your routine may (actually, should) start the night before.

Why? Well, that first 30 minutes sets the tone for the hours that follow it. So, prepare your work outfit (even when you’re work from home), know where your keys, phone, and other personal items are. Keep having everything ready to go.

Do your checklist

Learn how to get organized today, and put it on your to-do list. It’s beneficial, especially for me, who is a mother who is also a working-from-home mom. My day is unpredictable, but my checklist will guide me to work like it is supposed to be. It doesn’t matter how long you do it for—make sure that you get your all-checked list at the end of the day. 

Checklists save your time because you don’t need to use time remembering the steps. Therefore you can dedicate all your time to doing the task. Checklists also allow you to delegate tasks confidently and effectively. Using a list is an excellent way to make your life simpler and your day be more productive.

Manage your desk

Taking the time to get organized can save you time in the long run. Constantly working around clutter can seriously impede your productivity. Great time managers set up and manage their workspaces to cut down on the amount of time necessary for each task. Even if you become just slightly more organized, the pay-off will be significant of time saved. Your working day will flow smoothly, and you’ll reduce unnecessary stress.

The first step? Try it. If you don’t like it, you won’t have to try hard to get a messy desk again! Please give it a go and see how it affects the way you feel and function. Block off a realistic amount of time. You may not have a day to spare, but you won’t get a properly clean desk in 10 minutes either, and 30-60 minutes will give you time to make a real difference.

Using the Priority Matrix

To use the priority matrix, it is best to review your tasks daily. Each day, ask yourself: which one of my tasks needs to be done within the next 48 hours? And for the ‘Urgent’ tasks: which ones are more important?

It is a good idea to list your tasks in order of importance. Ask yourself: of the non-urgent tasks, which ones are more important? This way, you can use your time to work on the important things on your non-urgent tasks.