Here are 10 things you can do to shave minutes from your regular work routine:
Create a document template.
Check your schedule and emails from the last month for hints on what documents you most frequently use, then create a set of templates for these items. Starter ideas include: email queries and confirmations, proposals, contact forms, contracts, agendas, presentation decks, agendas, and financial reports.
Set up folders and filters in your email inbox.
Automate the email sorting process by setting up different folders and filters in your email program. You could have your emails filtered by people (clients, supervisors, coworkers, and vendors), work projects (administrative tasks, in-house work, client work, and research), or email subscriptions, and then appropriately sent to the correct folder.
Prepare mini agendas for informal meetings.
Make the most of your informal meetings with supervisors or colleagues with a mini agenda. This doesn’t have to be a formal document, simply list out the different items, tasks, questions, and concerns you want to discuss before your meeting. Not only will you have a handy guide for your meetings, but you’ll also have a record of projects, tasks and items discussed.
Give up folder tabs.
Tired of wasting your time fiddling with all those little plastic tabs that come with hanging folders? Give up those teeny tabs and simply label manila folders themselves. Make it easier for you to identify files at a glance by using different color manila folders and/or hanging files. For example, you might use green folders for financial documents, red folders for current projects and so on.
Save yourself a few clicks.
Are you making the most out of your work devices? Take a moment to set up the speed dial function on your work or cell phone for frequently dialed numbers and set up bookmarks on your internet browser or use a bookmark service for regularly visited sites. Likewise, if you regularly use a computer application or program, learn some keyboard shortcuts to help you save time as you work.
Make a process or task checklist.
Streamline routine processes or tasks by creating a checklist of must-do items. This can be particularly helpful for items you do every other month or so, such as running reports, backing up files or updating items on a website or server. Create detailed notes and instructions on the different tasks you need to complete for your project.
Keep cleaning supplies within reach.
Stop wasting your time climbing over all those office supplies in the back room just to get a dust cloth. Carve out a space in a nearby desk drawer, cabinet or shelf and stock it with office cleaning supplies. Mix and match any of the following and of course feel free to add in your supplies as needed: dust cloth, duster, lint roller, computer screen wipes and cleaner, disinfectant wipes and/or gel, a roll of paper towels, and window cleaner.
Pre-schedule online lunch orders.
Do you regularly order lunch at work? Some restaurants and cafes have online ordering systems that allow you to place and schedule meal orders anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks in advance. Check your favorite lunch spots to see if they offer this service and save yourself the hassle of placing daily orders.
Set a timer.
Keep work meetings on track by setting and following a timer. You’ll know exactly how much time you’ve spent working and how much time you have left available to you in each of your meetings. You might also want to consider setting a timer for different tasks while you work to better track your own time.
Store emergency materials in a drawer.
Be prepared for emergencies at a moment’s notice. Clear out space in a nearby desk drawer and pull together a little kit of emergency materials including, but not limited to: a flashlight, glow stick, small first aid kit, backup medication, umbrella, small radio, spare batteries, energy or granola bars, and bottles of water. What small action will you try out to save yourself a couple of minutes at work? Leave a comment below.
