Save Time at Work: Productivity Tips to Get More Done
Maximizing Efficiency: Actionable Strategies to Save Time at Work
Time is the most valuable resource in any business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, manager, or employee, maximizing efficiency helps you achieve more in less time. Use these eight strategies to audit your workflow and reclaim your schedule.
1. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix
Not all tasks are created equal. The Eisenhower Matrix helps you separate urgent tasks from important ones so you can focus on high-impact work.
- Urgent & Important: Do these immediately.
- Important but Not Urgent: Schedule these for later.
- Urgent but Not Important: Delegate these to someone else.
- Neither: Eliminate these from your list entirely.
2. Implement Time-Blocking
Multitasking is a myth that drains productivity. Instead, use Time-Blocking to dedicate specific chunks of your day to a single task.
- How it works: Assign a specific block in your calendar (e.g., 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM) for “Deep Work.”
- Tools: Use Google Calendar or Notion to visualize your day.
3. Automate and Batch
- Automation: Use tools like Zapier or Make to connect your apps. If you do it more than three times a week, automate it.
- Batching: Group similar tasks together. Don’t answer emails as they arrive; instead, process all of them at 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This reduces “context switching” costs.
4. Audit Your Meetings
Meetings are often the biggest productivity killers. Before hitting “Invite,” ask:
- Could this be an email or a Slack message?
- Can I send a Loom video update instead?
- Is there a clear agenda and a 15-minute time limit?
5. Master Your Tools
Small speed gains add up to hours saved per month.
- Keyboard Shortcuts: Learn the shortcuts for your OS and browser.
- Text Expansion: Use TextExpander for common replies or snippets.
- Project Management: Keep tasks out of your head and in a tool like ClickUp or Trello.
6. The Pomodoro Technique for Focus
To maintain high energy, work in intervals. The Pomodoro Technique suggests 25 minutes of intense focus followed by a 5-minute break.
7. Set Digital Boundaries
Distractions are the enemy of efficiency.
- Use “Do Not Disturb” modes during your deep work blocks.
- Try RescueTime to see exactly where your digital time is being wasted.
Efficiency Comparison Table
| Strategy | Primary Benefit | Difficulty to Implement |
|---|---|---|
| Eisenhower Matrix | Better decision-making | Easy |
| Automation | Long-term time reclamation | Medium |
| Time-Blocking | Enhanced focus/Deep work | Medium |
| Batching | Reduced mental fatigue | Easy |
Final Thoughts
Efficiency isn’t about doing more work; it’s about doing the right work with less friction. Start small—choose one technique today, master it, and then layer on the next.
Next Step: Efficiency is easier when you have a great team to delegate to. Read our guide on Building a Great Business Team.