Engineering is a fast-paced, high-stress field and it often feels like there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done. By changing the way you approach your day, you may find that you are actually able to tackle everything on your to-do list – and more.
Follow These Time Management Tips
Organize Your Day
Before you do anything in the morning, sit down with your to–do list for the day and schedule your tasks, starting with those that you least enjoy doing. Getting those tasks out of the way first will help you be more productive for the rest of the day.
It’s also wise to schedule complex tasks during your peak performance hours. Are you more of a morning person? Do you hit your stride mid-afternoon? Be strategic about the way you schedule your day to ensure maximum productivity.
Turn Off Mobile Phone Notifications
Mobile phones can be an incredible distraction during the day. And while you may need to use your phone for projects if you work in the field or if your team works in the field, you don’t need social media alerts, personal texts, etc. Shut off notifications and check your phone only at designated times during the day. Let your team know that if they have urgent needs to call your desk phone.
Delegate Strategically
Delegation is a great way to free up some of your precious time – and it’s also a great way to help your team members develop new skills. Don’t just offload boring or mundane tasks. Choose tasks that you know someone will do well or tasks that someone has been asking for. Give them some guidance then allow them to do the task and develop new skills.
Set Boundaries With Coworkers
Hopefully, you enjoy the people you work with. Chatting throughout the day is fine, but there are always one or two people who waste your time with excessive conversation. It can be hard to set boundaries with coworkers – especially when you like them, but it is important to limit chatter to breaks and lunches. You don’t have to be aggressive with chatty coworkers, just tell them you are slammed but you’d enjoy catching up over a sandwich at lunch.
Bonus Tip: Find A New Job
Sometimes, it’s not your time management skills that are the problem, it’s the environment you work. If you’re surrounded by chaos or a culture of poor planning, you may never be able to get your project tasks under control. If you are an engineer seeking new job opportunities and you want to put an expert in your corner, contact the Atlanta engineering recruiters at Selectek today.
