Time
management is an important part of maintaining productivity within the
workplace. With the proper allocation of time companies can accomplish more
projects that are beneficial to their needs. When looking at wasted time
throughout a corporation a significant proportion of this limited resource
simple goes down the drain with little benefit. Proper time management is a
skill that can be learned on an organizational and individual level and should
be fostered for higher performance.
At an individual level a
person can gain a sense of mastery and accomplishment by having time-management
skills that make it easier for them to navigate their day. Research has
indicated that time management training, based upon psychological theory, increased
perceived control of time and decreased stress (Hafner & Stock, 2010). The
type of skills learned varied in ability and effectiveness yet the findings remained
relatively consistent across the spectrum.
Since time management raised
masterly of their work environment and decreased stress there are some
secondary benefits to training for appropriate skills. On an organizational
level this time training can lead to higher levels of organizational
accomplishment and systematic improvements in efficient functioning. The
development of organizational time management starts at the top on the macro
level and managed minutely by individuals.
The tackling of poor time management is important as
an industrial management technique. Time scarcity and misallocation are
systematic problems in organizations (Bevins & Smet, 2013). Based upon a
survey of executives they found that it is beneficial to allow for time budgets
that encourage the focusing on important projects that help the organization
succeed. Doing so reduces waste throughout the company.
Industrial time management starts with the board and
top executives who allocate the tasks and time of the management team (Bregman,
2013). The goal is to ensure that their allocation of time is properly aligned
with strategic objectives and not wasted on less important endeavors. It doesn’t
mean that all of the time is allocated to specific projects but that each
project requires a particular investment of the manager’s time to maintain
focus.
At a personal and organizational level time management
creates additional efficiencies in organizational functioning. Despite these
benefits many organizations have not effectively trained their managers well or
developed time budgets. Considering time management as a systematic policy can
help encourage greater focus on strategic objectives and reduce organizational
waste. Such techniques should be incorporated into organizational training plans.
Bevins, F. & Smet, A. (2013). Making time
management the organization’s priority. McKinsey
Quarterly, 1.
Bregman, P. (2013). A personal approach to
organizational time management. McKinsey
Quarterly, 1.
Hafner, A. & Stock, A. (2010. Time management training
and perceived control of time at work. Journal
of Psychology, 144 (5).
