Time Management Tips for Administrative Professionals

Many administrative professionals are efficient time managers--but even the best sometimes get distracted at work by personal matters or other workplace time robbers. To make sure you're not getting slack at work, check this list once a year so you don't fall into any bad time management habits. Good time management at work will help create a smoother, more satisfactory experience for you each and every work day. But bad time management that gets noticed too often could land you in a heap of trouble. Read onward...

The Perils of Wasting Time at Work

by Dave Willmer, executive director of Office Team

While most administrative professionals don’t purposely put off their priorities at work, those who frequently mismanage time should be aware that their actions — or lack thereof — could cost them choice assignments, promotions or even their jobs.

Following are five of the most common productivity killers in the workplace and tips for avoiding them:

Productivity killer: Chronic tardiness

The solution: While everyone is tempted to hit the “snooze” button in the morning, tardiness is a bad habit. To overcome this problem, determine when you have to be out the door to make it into work on time. Aim to leave five to 10 minutes before your “must-leave” time. Carpooling with someone else who works in your office may also help you become more punctual. Be sure to build extra time into your commute for unexpected delays.

Productivity killer: Cyber-slacking
The solution: If you’re a celebrity-gossip junkie or sports score-checking fanatic, break yourself of the habit of scanning the Internet while working on projects. Although taking the occasional mental break to look up something online is part of modern-day work life, save the majority of your in-depth news and blog reading for home in order to stay focused at work.

Productivity killer: Post-lunch lethargy
The solution: Eat for energy. Healthy, wholesome lunches — not a candy bar, soda and bag of chips — can help you combat the dreaded mid-day slump and aid attentiveness the entire afternoon. If you feel your energy draining, head outside or take a walk around the office to get your blood flowing again.

Productivity killer: Distraction attraction
The solution: While it’s beneficial to your career and overall well-being to have good relationships with your coworkers, job duties should never take a backseat to socializing. Complete your work first, then take some time to chitchat.

Productivity killer: Errand-running
The solution: It’s simple: Focus on work when you’re at work. Save the shopping, pharmacy trips and dry-cleaning runs for your off-hours. Whenever possible, schedule routine dental or medical appointments before or after work, or ask for permission to take a long lunch break instead of trying to squeeze in an appointment. If you have extenuating circumstances, such as issues involving childcare, discuss the situation with your manager. The two of you may be able to work out a more flexible schedule.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dave Willmer is executive director of OfficeTeam, the nation’s leading staffing service specializing in the temporary placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. OfficeTeam has more than 300 locations worldwide and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.