During the workday, do you ever wish you had more time or could find a way to complete tasks more efficiently? Remote workers often allow work time to bleed into home time, preventing the necessary separation between the two. One of the best ways to ensure you can switch off from work is to use your time efficiently and find ways to save time on necessary tasks. The following tips may help you get through your workday more efficiently.
Make a schedule based on your priorities
Schedule your day or week out ahead of time so you know what must get done. Approximate how much time each task will take and designate a time and day to complete those tasks, starting with the most urgent. Check your schedule regularly, mark off completed tasks, and adjust your next day’s schedule at the end of each workday as needed.
Outsource when possible
Outsourcing costs money, but it can save time. When deciding whether to outsource certain tasks, consider the cost and benefits. Will outsourcing allow you to work on projects that will make you more money or further your career? If so, outsource those tasks that don’t need your attention so you can focus on projects that require your expertise.
Avoid multitasking
Multitasking does not always lead to efficiency. Working on more than one thing at a time can prevent you from fully focusing and require more time to complete projects than if you finish one task before moving on to the next. Switching between tasks can be distracting and it requires the brain to refocus each time you encounter a new task, which often means every job takes longer to complete.
Complaints about time management are common with remote workers. Learning to manage your time when you work from home may require you to implement a stricter schedule based on the tasks that have a higher priority. You may find that outsourcing certain jobs and learning how to focus on one task at a time can help you accomplish your goals more quickly. Simple changes can help you work more efficiently, allowing you to switch off when the workday is over so you can focus on other pursuits.
