According to CPA Practice Advisor, the new flexibility in employee schedules that has come about as a result of the rise of telecommuting during the COVID-19 Pandemic is proving to be a positive trend for productivity. A recent study published by prominent staffing company Robert Half supports this claim. 79% of those surveyed said that they had incorporated dedicated blocks of time for work and personal tasks as part of their new schedule. 73% of those who reported that their jobs allowed for this “windowed” time reported that it increased their productivity while working.
You’re probably always looking for ways to increase your productivity and manage your time better as a busy professional. One strategy that has proven successful for many individuals is time blocking. In this blog, we’ll explore what time blocking is and how it can help you to improve your productivity.
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking is a time management strategy where you allocate specific blocks of time to specific tasks or activities. This allows you to focus on one thing at a time, reducing distractions and increasing your productivity.
How Does Time Blocking Help to Improve Productivity?
- Prioritizes Tasks: By allocating specific blocks of time to specific tasks, you’re able to prioritize your to-do list and make sure that you’re focusing on the most important tasks first. This helps to reduce stress and ensures that you’re making progress on your goals.
- Increases Focus: When you’re time blocking, you’re able to focus solely on the task at hand. This reduces distractions and helps you to get into a productive flow, allowing you to be more productive in less time.
- Improves Time Management: Time blocking helps you to manage your time more effectively by breaking it down into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes it easier to stay on track and avoid wasting time on less important tasks.
- Increases Awareness: By regularly monitoring and adjusting your time blocks, you’ll become more aware of how you’re spending your time. This allows you to identify any time-wasting habits and make adjustments to improve your productivity.
How to Implement Time Blocking:
- Create a Schedule: Start by creating a schedule that includes specific blocks of time for each task or activity. Make sure to include time for breaks, meetings, and other important events. Use tools like Timely or Clockify to help you with this.
- Be Realistic: Be realistic about how much time you need for each task. Don’t allocate too much time to one task, or you’ll risk running out of time for other important tasks.
- Stick to the Schedule: Once you’ve created your schedule, stick to it as much as possible. If you need to make adjustments, do so in a way that minimizes disruptions to your productivity.
- Review and Adjust: Regularly review and adjust your time blocks as needed. This allows you to stay on track and make sure that you’re using your time effectively.
In conclusion, time blocking is a simple yet effective strategy for improving productivity. By allocating specific blocks of time to specific tasks, you’re able to prioritize your to-do list, increase focus, and improve your time management skills. Give it a try and see how it can help you to be more productive and achieve your goals!
