Tips for Better Time Management
Time-management issues can be a challenge for employees at all levels. In a recent Robert Half survey that asked chief financial officers about the greatest challenge financial executives face today, “time management” was the top answer. It garnered 46 percent of responses, more than double “keeping up with technology,” which ranked second.
To thrive in today’s fast-paced business environment, accountants must take a proactive approach to managing their time and workloads. If you’re trying to regain control of a chaotic schedule and increase your efficiency, the following tips can help:
Establish priorities. Each morning, identify the day’s most critical and time-sensitive tasks, and then give those issues your undivided attention. It’s also beneficial to avoid multitasking, which often impedes real productivity, until you move on to lower-priority assignments.
Break it down. Major assignments can seem overwhelming, but developing a focused step-by-step game plan will help. When approaching a large project, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For instance, if you’re responsible for producing a lengthy report, prepare an outline of the key elements and set deadlines for completing specific sections.
Cut the clutter. The benefits of a clean and orderly working environment can’t be overemphasized. Regularly go through the items on your desk and separate the important from the less important. Once you’ve categorized an item, file it, forward it or trash it — don’t leave it to collect dust on your desk.
Develop a tracking system. By systematically monitoring your progress, you’ll be less likely to overlook dates and details. Consider using project management software to electronically track deadlines and activities; a tickler file (papers placed in a file folder according to the date the item will need to be handled) to remind you of pending items; or a simple notebook to list each project, its status and the next steps to take.
Take a technology timeout. Nothing is more distracting than the pinging sound of an incoming e-mail or instant message when you’re trying to concentrate. Taking periodic breaks from technology allows you to work free of interruption, while giving you time to refocus and recharge.
