Developing Time-Management Skills through Education and Training

Needs

Time is not a limitless resource. Almost everyone faces time constraints and decisions about how to use time. Learning to manage time effectively is necessary to reduce stress, accomplish important goals, enrich family life, balance multiple roles, and have the time needed to enjoy life. In a family, there is less discretion over time available, and scheduling becomes more complicated. The more time given to outside-the-home paid employment, the less time for family interaction, home maintenance and leisure activities.

Concerns

People not used to balancing work and family time, will find it difficult to finish all the tasks that are vital to keeping a sense of order in their lives.

Community Response

Businesses and service companies could take a look at their business hours in order to be open when most working people can get their errands and personal business conducted.

Strategies

1. Grouping Appointments

If organizations can help families to group medical, dental, and haircut appointments as much as possible, families will be better able to handle routine appointments in a timely manner.

2. Workshops and Videos

Workshops, videos, and publications could be made available to help workers plan their time more effectively. Learning to evaluate different tasks and to discover more efficient ways to accomplish them can reduce stress and improve productivity, at work and at home.

3. Speakers

Speakers to peer support groups can give examples of time-management techniques. Volunteers could serve as buddies for modeling efficient time management, providing wake-up calls, and so on.