Shifting from a task to a priorities-based approach is key in managing time effectively.
Technology can assist in optimizing time management, but individual autonomy and responsibility should be maintained.
Deep dives
Importance of Prioritizing Time and Well-being
Companies recognize the importance of improving employee productivity and well-being to retain talented individuals. The labor market makes it difficult to attract and keep great talent, so companies are understanding the need to provide clear incentives and space for employees to care about their work and live fulfilling lives. Recognizing the constraint of time and understanding the limits of what can be accomplished in a week is crucial. It is necessary to prioritize time and allocate it to align with personal preferences, goals, and family commitments.
The Significance of Recognizing Time Constraints
In the workplace, there is a tendency to focus on priorities rather than setting specific time frames. However, acknowledging that time is limited and each individual has a set number of hours in a day is essential. Companies should establish core collaboration hours where employees are expected to be available for meetings and interactions. These hours help restrict the total number of meetings and allow individuals to allocate time for their priorities effectively.
The Role of Technology in Time Management
Technology can play a vital role in helping individuals manage their time efficiently. Tools like intelligent calendar assistants and time management platforms can assist in structuring days and work weeks. They provide flexibility, allowing individuals to express their preferences, priorities, and routines. By using technology to allocate time for tasks, individuals gain a better understanding of their capacity and can make trade-offs effectively.
Autonomy and Responsibility in Time Management
While technology can aid in optimizing time management, it is crucial to maintain individual autonomy and responsibility. People should have ultimate control over their time, while tools assist in making the process easier. Micro-managing time down to every minute may not be beneficial, as it may hinder decision-making and reduce spontaneity. Trusting individuals to make good trade-offs and prioritize their time effectively leads to better outcomes and a healthier work-life balance.
Henry Shapiro is co-founder at Reclaim.ai, an intelligent calendar assistant and time management platform used by over 13,000 companies worldwide. In this conversation we talk about some of the practical ways in which time constrains us, and how to manage those constraints.
We discuss:
the importance of shifting from a task to a priorities-based approach to managing time
how good time-management requires facing up to our constraints
how to manage the balance our own demands with those of others
the importance of allocating time for good habits
how AI can help us with time, and where it can go too far
Prior to founding Reclaim, Henry was VP and GM of Product Management at New Relic, where he led development of observability solutions for tens of thousands of customers.
