productivity

Making the most of your time: management strategies

There are several ways to take control and master time management. Find them all here.

Sabina Vardanashvili

Nov 25, 2024 • 3 min read

Time management is one of the most important skills in the workplace. Whether you're juggling multiple projects, attending endless meetings, or just trying to stay on top of your to-do list, mastering how you manage your time can make all the difference.

In this article, we'll cover 10 practical tips to help you manage your time better, improve productivity, and reduce stress.

Start your day with a plan

Take 10 minutes at the start of each day to plan what you want to accomplish. Create a to-do list or use a digital planner to prioritize tasks.

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Why it works? Starting your day with a plan gives you clear direction and helps you focus on what matters most.

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Pro tip. Use tools like Google Calendar or task management apps to schedule your day.

Prioritize tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix

The Eisenhower Matrix divides tasks into four categories:

Urgent and important.
Important but not urgent.
Urgent but not important.
Neither urgent nor important.

Focus on category 1 first and delegate or eliminate tasks in category 4. Learn more nuances in our other article on prioritization methods.

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Why it works? This method helps you spend your time on tasks that truly matter.

Avoid multitasking

It's tempting to tackle several things at once, but multitasking often leads to mistakes and lower efficiency. Instead, focus on one task at a time.

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Why it works? Concentrating on a single task improves the quality of your work and speeds up completion.

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Pro tip. While writing a report, avoid checking emails or answering calls.

*Orchestra* allows to keep it all in one app

Use time-blocking

Time-blocking involves dividing your day into blocks of time for specific tasks. Allocate time for meetings, deep work, and even breaks.

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Why it works? It keeps you organized and ensures every task gets the attention it deserves.

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Pro tip. Reserve your most productive hours for complex tasks.

Learn to say no

Taking on too many responsibilities can stretch you too thin. Politely decline tasks or meetings that don't align with your priorities.

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Why it works? Saying no helps you focus on tasks that are critical to your goals.

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Pro tip. If someone asks for a non-urgent favor, offer to assist later or suggest alternatives.

Minimize distractions

Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set boundaries to minimize interruptions while working.

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Why it works? Reducing distractions allows you to concentrate better and complete tasks faster.

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Pro tip. Use apps like Focus@Will or the Pomodoro Timer to stay on track.

Set realistic goals

Break large projects into smaller, manageable tasks and set achievable deadlines.

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Why it works? Smaller milestones are less overwhelming and keep you motivated as you progress.

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Pro tip. Instead of saying, 'Finish the marketing report,' break it down into 'Research statistics,' 'Draft the introduction,' and so on.

Take breaks

Working non-stop might seem productive, but it can lead to burnout. Take short breaks to recharge.

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Why it works? Resting your mind boosts focus and creativity when you return to work.

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Pro tip. Try the 25/5 rule—work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break.

Review your day

At the end of each day, reflect on what you accomplished and what can be improved. Use this time to adjust tomorrow's plan.

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Why it works? Regular reviews help you identify time-wasters and refine your workflow.

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Pro tip. If a meeting ran longer than expected, think about how you can manage similar situations in the future.

Invest in productivity tools

There are countless tools designed to help with time management. Explore apps for scheduling, task tracking, and focus enhancement.

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Why it works? The right tools can save you time and simplify complex tasks.

Tools for smart gems

Orchestra. Great for keeping it all together – communication and management. Try it right away →
Todoist. Perfect for personal task management.
Clockify. Tracks time spent on different activities.

Mastering time management at work isn’t about squeezing every second out of your day — it's about working smarter, not harder. By using these 10 tips, you'll not only boost your productivity but also feel more in control of your workload.