Workplace values, like time management, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics.
In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur.
A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone.
With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?
In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of time management and 3 ways you can practice time management at your office.
What is time management?
Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?
According to Lexico.com, time management refers to “the ability to use one’s time effectively or productively, especially at work”.
Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.
When placed into the context of a working environment, time management can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use time management as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual.
How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂
How to practice time management at the office?
Practicing the workplace value of time management at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures.
We practice time management through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing time management within your own office space.
Create a list of tasks to be completed
Creating a list of things to get done is one of the first steps you can take to practice time management at the workplace.
Start the day right! As you begin your day of responsibilities, list out the tasks that you would like to tick off your notepad. This will better allow you to get a big-picture view of what is waiting to be completed.
Writing them down and numbering the items will also allow you to better track your tasks and projects.
As Henry David Thoreau once said, “It is not enough to be busy. The question is: What are we busy about?” Taking a second to acknowledge the work you have to get done is one way to relieve unnecessary stress too.
And so, creating a list of tasks to be completed is one way to practice the workplace value of time management!
Prioritisation is key
One can practice time management at the workplace simply by prioritising the most urgent work.
There’s always loads of work waiting to be completed at the office. Some of them are due in a week’s time, others not so urgent. As such, it is crucial to learn that prioritisation is key at work.
Identify which of your projects cannot wait. Find out which are tasks that may take longer time to get done. Are your teammates waiting on you to finish your part? Will you putting this task second on the list delay the deadline? Which of them are most important?
Take all factors into consideration and prioritise according to importance and urgency of the matter. This will allow you to figure out which of these works you need to get done first and what follows next.
Thus, prioritising your work in order of urgency and importance is one way to practice the workplace value of time management!
Learn to say no
The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of time management is by learning to say no.
Oftentimes, individuals work so hard at the office to check tasks off their lists that they completely what their bandwidth is like. Learn to say no! When you are already flooded with tasks and someone comes to you with more, be frank.
Be honest and express how you are unable to take on any more work until you clear some off your plate. Taking on more work when you already have your hands full is not a good practice at work. This will eat into your time and mess up your planned schedule.
If they insist that you take on the work, be open to discussing a realistic timeline as to when you may be able to complete the task. Otherwise, propose alternatives as to who else may be able to complete the task.
Take the initiative to set some boundaries. You’d be practicing the workplace value of time management in no time!
What's next?
And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of time management. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice time management at the workplace.
Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!
Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?
If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.
No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!
