8 Reasons to Use Time Management Training at Work

8 Reasons to Use Time Management Training at Work

Managing your time means increased productivity and efficiency. If you want employees to perform at their best, you should consider time management training.

If your employees aren’t making the best use of their time while on the clock, it’s costing you money.

Whether they’re spending work hours doing personal tasks or simply doing their job in an inefficient manner, there’s almost always room for improvement. Providing time management training to your employees shows them that you’re serious about efficiency and willing to provide the tools they need to improve their job performance.

If you’re ready to invest in your employees and improve your business results, keep reading. Here are eight reasons why it’s worth the time and effort to put your employees through time management training.

1) Address the Problem Personal Distractions

Studies suggest that the average employee spends about eight hours per work week doing tasks unrelated to their job.

This includes shopping online, checking personal emails, and visiting social media sites. Although it may seem like a quick check of your cell phone is no big deal, the cumulative effect can have a major impact on the success of your business.

Putting your employees through a time management training program lets them know you’re not willing to tolerate this behavior.

2) Reduce Workplace Stress

When all of your employees know how to manage their time appropriately, it results in decreased stress levels throughout the workplace.

Proper time management means fewer missed deadlines and fewer chances for unpleasant surprises. Your employees will feel less rushed and more in control of their day.

When all employees are on the same page and pulling their own weight, there’s less opportunity for conflict to arise. Happy employees lead to satisfied customers, which is the ultimate goal for most successful businesses.

3) Improve Efficiency and Get More Done

Improved efficiency is one of the primary goals of time management training. In simple terms, doing the right tasks, at the right time, allows you to get more done in less time. Time management training teaches employees to prioritize tasks and minimize time wasters.

Payroll usually represents a significant portion of business overhead. When your employees know how to be efficient, you can cut some of these costs and improve your bottom line.

4) Reduce Mistakes and Rework

Time management and organization helps eliminate careless mistakes. Employees who fail to read instructions or forget important details can create serious problems. Pay attention to how often tasks need to be redone, and you’ll soon see the value in eliminating these issues.

As your employees learn how to reduce mistakes, you’ll be able to spend less time diagnosing issues, disciplining employees, and apologizing to your customers.

5) Improved Decision Making

When under a time crunch, it’s often difficult to stop and think for long enough to make solid decisions. Time management gives employees the power to slow down, weigh their options, and avoid jumping to conclusions.

Time management training techniques like time-chunking and list-making also help employees improve their critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

6) Minimize Time Wasters

When you don’t have to stop and think about what you need to do next, you’ll always be one step ahead.

Staying on track with tasks improves focus, minimizes procrastination, and eliminates idle time. The self-discipline employees learn during their time management training can also improve other areas of their lives.

7) Create More Free Time

You may have a concern that time management training will take too much time away from necessary tasks.

Although it will take some time up-front, it will eventually give you more time to focus on the things that really matter to you. When you and your employees have more free time, you’ll be able to seize new business opportunities as they arise.

8) Improve Employee Morale

Employees who are productive are more likely to meet their goals and excel in their careers. This leads to improved self-esteem and a sense of achievement.

When employees perform better than expected, it will improve your bottom line.

You’ll then have the option to further improve morale by giving out bonuses and other benefits. Consider using the extra time you’ve created to implement additional self-improvement programs, plan team-building activities, or give your employees the option to take some extra time off.

Time Management Basics

The first step to implementing a time management program is educating your own self about the basics. Here are a few tips to get you started.

– Question Yourself

Avoid getting caught up in busywork by frequently asking yourself whether what you’re doing is the best use of your time at the moment. If not, stop what you are doing and refocus on an activity with a greater payoff.

– Disconnect

Staying constantly connected to your phone and email reduces your ability to control your day. Take advantage of voicemail and turn off your email notifications. Check your messages and emails only a few times a day so you can maintain your focus.

– Get Rid of Clutter

Clutter creates distractions. Clear folders, papers, and other unnecessary items from your desktop. Only pull out the items you need to complete the task at hand and there will be less of an opportunity for your mind to wander.

– Close Your Door

Drop-in visitors interrupt your train of thought and cause you to lose focus. When working on an important task, don’t be shy about closing your door. As long as you don’t overdo it, most coworkers will take the hint and stay away when your door is shut.

– Make a List

If you can’t focus because you’re trying to remember too many things, take a break and write down everything that’s on your mind. Once you’ve got it down on paper, you’ll no longer have to worry about forgetting. This allows you clear your mind and tune into the task at hand.

Are You Ready to Implement Time Management Training in Your Business?

Whether you hire a training professional or design your own program, it’s clear to see how improved time management can bring major benefits to your business.

Do you have more questions about improving your business productivity? Give me a shout and let’s talk about your specific business needs.