When it comes to staying productive during the workday, cutting out time wasters is a must-do. Though a conversation with a coworker or a trip to the water fountain is manageable and expected, distractions can quickly get out of hand if you’re not careful.
The truth of the matter is that many people in the workforce struggle with time management, which means you’re not alone in falling victim to time-wasting activities. Fortunately, you can take steps to optimize your time by taking inventory of your daily activities and trimming down the fat.
But how do you begin to prioritize your tasks? Read on for ten time wasters to discard from your daily itinerary and how to manage your everyday to-dos properly.
Table of Contents
Out-of-office errands
While some trips outside the office are unavoidable, you should try to limit them where possible to avoid waiting in lines and losing time in traffic. Instead, set a time limit for daily out-of-office tasks and switch to online options when available.
For example, investing in a digital mailbox can be an excellent way to have direct mail digitally forwarded to you. That way, you won’t waste time going to the post office for every piece of mail that arrives at your company’s address weekly.
Workplace clutter and disarray
Though it may not seem like an issue at first glance, a disorganized workspace can lead to much wasted time throughout the day. Between frantic searches for critical documents and overstimulated senses, you may end up spending more time searching and distracted than working.
Instead, take some time each day to declutter and organize your workspace. If there’s something you don’t use often, consider storing them in a space away from your line of sight. Just make sure to keep items in an easily accessible place to maintain access when needed.
Social media
In today’s society, it’s easy to get sucked into a black hole of social media scrolling. Whether mindlessly swiping through Instagram or getting caught up in Twitter wars, social media can be a massive time-waster at work.
To be productive in 2022, reduce your social media usage during the workday. Set a timer for yourself, stick to it, and take breaks when necessary.
Multitasking
While you may think that multitasking will have you accomplish goals quicker, this is not the case. When multitasking, you’re just switching your focus back and forth between the tasks, unable to give either the proper attention.
This action can lead to mistakes and increased stress levels. Instead, setting specific times for each project during the day is best. That way, you can stay focused and get into the groove of each project before moving on to the next.
Unnecessary meetings
Many workers cite meetings as a top time-waster in the workplace—and for good reason. Often, people schedule meetings without a clear purpose or plan, leading to wasted hours.
If you can accomplish the purpose of the meeting via email, or another messaging platform, don’t schedule an in-person appointment. For example, if the conference aims to update people on current trends, send a memo or update instead.
Taking on coworkers’ tasks
If you find yourself constantly taking on tasks that are outside of your job description, it’s time to put a stop to it. It may be tempting to help with a coworker’s project or say yes to every request, but it can lead to resentment and burnout in the long term.
More importantly, it could take away your time to complete your tasks and negatively impact your productivity. To prevent taking on extra work, create a calendar that outlines your duties for each day.
Prioritize which tasks must be completed first and allocate enough time to meet them. By setting clear boundaries for what you’re willing to do and communicating those boundaries with your coworkers, you can stay on track without burning out.
Excessive breaks
While taking breaks throughout the workday is essential, excessive breaks can lead to a decrease in productivity. A coffee break is fine, but you should minimize them if you spend more time in the breakroom than at your desk.
Excessive breaks can also interfere with your focus and make the workday feel longer. If you need a break, try getting up and stretching or taking a quick walk around the block. Also, try setting a timer and limiting yourself to five or ten minutes.
Constant business or personal interruptions
One of the most frustrating things at work is feeling like you can never get anything done because you’re constantly interrupted. Whether coworkers drop by your desk to chat or notifications pop up on your phone, constant interruptions can make it hard to focus and remain productive.
To cut out distracting interruptions from your day, try implementing a “Do Not Disturb” policy for yourself during certain hours. For example, only answer personal calls at specific times or put a sign on your door letting people know when you’re unavailable.
Equipment issues
Another big time waster at work is equipment issues. These complications can include everything from your computer crashing to your printer running out of ink.
Equipment malfunctions can take significant time to resolve, especially if you’re behind on proper updates and maintenance. To limit frustrating shutdowns, ensure you have a consistent maintenance plan and fast-acting IT help.
It may be a good idea to invest in one machine for the office and share the responsibility of caring for it among the team. If something happens with any device, everyone will know how to handle it since they are all trained in its operation.
Working without a plan
Without a plan, you’ll likely find yourself working on tasks that aren’t important, getting sidetracked, and generally not being productive. A great way to create a work plan is by listing your most essential duties in order of importance.
You should then add any other necessary tasks or projects below them. That way, you’ll always know what your next job is, and you can avoid spending time wandering around aimlessly.
Additionally, you should set deadlines for all of your goals and projects. Having a strategic plan will keep things organized and lead you to prioritize how much time goes into completing specific tasks.
Before you go
Time management is a critical skill to learn if you’re goal is to remain productive in the workplace. Fortunately, by cutting out distracting activities, keeping your workspace clutter-free, and building a doable schedule, you can stay on task and increase your productivity.
