Strong time management skills can make your workday feel more organised, less stressful and more productive. These skills are important for any workplace, and you can begin building them now through the routines and tasks you practise at Jigsaw.
Here are some simple strategies, along with useful digital tools, to help you improve your time management.
1. Start with a daily plan
Planning your day gives you direction and helps you understand what needs to be done.
Try doing the following each morning:
- Review your schedule.
- Look at your tasks.
- Identify your most important priorities.
Getting clear on what you need to achieve in your day, and what is top priority will help you stay on track and manage your time better.
Helpful tools:
Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook Calendar
Paper planners & diaries
Jigsaw task boards
2. Use digital tools to stay organised
Digital tools can help you manage tasks, track deadlines, and stay on top of your work. Learning these tools now will also help you feel confident when you start mainstream employment.
Examples of tools:
- Simple task and reminder apps: Todoist, Microsoft To Do
- Project management platforms used in workplaces: Trello, Asana, ClickUp, Monday.com
These tools help you break tasks into steps, set deadlines and reminders, track your progress, and stay on top of your workload.
You can practise using them at Jigsaw to build workplace-ready skills, and they also provide a visual reminder of how much you have already accomplished, which can be motivating as you work through your tasks.
3. Break large tasks into smaller steps
Large tasks can feel overwhelming when you look at them as one big job. Breaking them into smaller steps helps you start sooner and stay focused.
For example:
Instead of “finish the project”, break it into:
- Read the instructions.
- Complete step one.
- Complete step two.
- Check your work.
- Mark it as complete.
Platforms such as Monday, Trello or Asana allow you to list each step and tick them off as you go.
4. Prioritise your tasks
Not all tasks have the same urgency. Understanding which tasks come first allows you to stay on track and meet deadlines.
Ask yourself:
- What must be completed today
- What has a deadline
- What requires the most time or focus
- What will support the team
Helpful tools:
- Priority labels in Monday, Asana or Todoist
- Printable priority charts
- Numbered priority lists in your work diary or planner
5. Work in short, focused sessions
Working in long blocks can be tiring. Short, focused work periods help you stay productive.
Try the Pomodoro technique:
- Work for 25 minutes
- Take a 5 minute break
- Repeat
Helpful apps:
6. Reduce distractions where possible
Distractions can make it harder to stay on task, but small adjustments can help.
You might try:
- Turning off unnecessary phone notifications
- Wearing headphones
- Working in a quieter space
- Keeping your workspace clear and organised
Helpful tools:
- Noisli (background sound options)
- Focus Mode on most smartphones
- Headspace (short focus and calm sessions)
7. Create routines that support your day
Routines help you stay consistent and prepared. They reduce decision fatigue and make your day flow more smoothly.
Examples include:
- Checking emails at the same time each day
- Scheduling your most difficult tasks when you have the most energy
- Preparing your work items the night before – packing a bag in advance can help you start the day on the right foot
- Ending your day with a quick tidy or review
Helpful tools:
- Habitica – note this platform does have social features. It’s important to always be cautious with social features: Use private messages and party/guild chat wisely.
- Streaks – a productivity app that helps you build consistent work habits and stay on track with tasks by gamifying routines, tracking progress, and sending smart reminders.
- Google Calendar reminders
8. Ask for support when you need it
Time management is a skill you improve over time. It is perfectly acceptable to ask for help.
You might speak with:
- A trainer
- A colleague or fellow trainee
- A zone manager
They can help you plan your day, choose tools or break down tasks.
9. Acknowledge your progress
Each time you complete a task on time or stay focused throughout a session, you are building confidence and improving your skills. Recognising your progress can keep you motivated.
Time management is not about doing everything perfectly. It is about building habits and using tools that help your workday feel easier and more organised. With practice and with the skills you develop at Jigsaw, you will be well prepared for the expectations of mainstream workplaces.
Interested in building your skills and preparing for mainstream work?
Find out how Jigsaw can help you gain hands-on experience, learn practical workplace skills, and get ready for employment. Visit jigsawaustralia.com.au to learn more and start your journey today.