As one of the top engineering staffing agencies in Chicago, Premium Staffing, Inc. can’t emphasize enough the importance of having excellent time management skills. There are only so many hours in the day, so being cognizant of where your time is going is a must.
The ability to expertly manage your time will allow you to be more productive and end each day feeling successful. Use this guide to get a better handle on your day.
Five Time Management Tips That Work
Plan Ahead
Living in a state of constant chaos is very time-consuming. Get time back in your day by planning ahead. For example, choosing your work clothes the night before will save you time in the morning, because you won’t have to shuffle through your closet trying to put a decent outfit together. Unexpected issues will still arise, that’s inevitable, but this will give you more time to work around them.
Audit Your Day
Chances are, you’re wasting a lot of time each day and you don’t even know it. Starting first thing in the morning, conduct an experiment to find out exactly where your time is going. Write down what you’re doing and how long you’re doing it to see where there’s room for improvement. This will help you tighten up your schedule, so you can focus on more productive activities.
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Keep your day on track by setting S.M.A.R.T. — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound — goals. Creating time limits for each activity will keep you from spending longer than necessary on any one task, allowing you to accomplish many things in one day with ease. Unlike vague objectives, S.M.A.R.T. goals also give you a sense of accountability needed to be your best self.
Prioritize Tasks
Every item on your to-do list doesn’t hold equal weight. In the morning, after you write down the tasks you want to accomplish for the day, place a priority on each activity. If an unexpected task is added to your plate, this helps ensure you’ll at least be able to complete the most pressing items on your list, without having to work late.
Establish Boundaries
There’s a fine line between being ambitious and taking on too much. You’re only human, so even the savviest time management skills can’t help you accomplish an unreasonable amount of work. If you know you’re at your limit, don’t be afraid to speak up. Pushing back on deadlines or declining a colleague’s request for assistance might not be easy, but it’s necessary.
Need help finding a dynamic new hire? Premium Staffing, Inc. is here to help you find the best engineer or manufacturing professional for the job. Contact us today to start your search!