BLOG 07 - TIME MANAGEMENT FOR WORKING WOMEN
Time Management for Working Women
People and Organizations (Assignment MBA of London Metropolitan University) by Shehani Perera
This empowering quote by Eleanor Roosevelt simply
brings to light the strength of a woman and how she rises to the occasion
gallantly when faced with a tough and challenging situation
A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong
she is until she gets in hot water. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt
Especially for a working woman loaded with domestic
responsibilities, every day is a challenge! Women have come a long way. Today
they are strong, educated, self-sufficient and financially independent without
letting go of their softness, their innocence, or their loving and caring
nature
When it comes to the office and
home, one needs to figure out how to balance. Time management for the
working woman is critical. The keyword is ‘Prioritize.
In fact several studies have
observed that women can switch smoothly between tasks. The journal BMC
Phycology paper suggests that men are much slower when it comes to handling
tasks at an efficient speed. For ages women have been the caretakers of their
homes where they managed household work, looked after the children and other
family members, all the while managing other work
According to Hive, a productivity
counter platform, women work 10 percent harder than men in the workplace. They
are given more work to do which proves their hard-working capabilities. Adding
to that, they are able to produce work at the same rate as others, within the
time limit, while catering to certain limitations and boundaries
A recent study found that women-run businesses are
about 11% less productive than male-run businesses. One of the contributing
factors to this low number is high household work allocation and other cultural
norms that make women less available for business matters than men. This
highlights the cost of not getting better with time management in the long run.
Reportedly, in a study, Professor Keith Laws, of the
University of Hertfordshire observed that women are highly productive when
given a set of tasks to complete in an organized and a methodical manner, while
adhering to time limitations, over men
With correct time management not only women, but
everyone will be able to save lots of time and accomplish their professional
and private goals. Listed below are some useful tips for time management
Set Clear Goals - Define both short-term and long-term goals. Knowing what you want to achieve will help you prioritize tasks and allocate time accordingly.
Prioritize Tasks - Use techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to categorize tasks. Focus on high-priority tasks that align with your goals and have the most significant impact.
Create a Schedule - Plan your day or week ahead by creating a schedule. Include work tasks, personal commitments, exercise, and downtime. Stick to your schedule as closely as possible.
Use a To-Do List - Keep a to-do list to track tasks. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps and tick them off as you complete them. This provides a sense of accomplishment and keeps you organized.
Time Blocking - Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks. This technique helps you stay focused on one task at a time and reduces multitasking.
Batch Similar Tasks - Group similar tasks together and tackle them in one go. For example, respond to emails in a specific time slot rather than constantly checking throughout the day.
Limit Distractions - Minimize distractions during work hours. Turn off non-essential notifications, set specific times for checking social media, and create a dedicated workspace.
Practice Self Care - Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential. Schedule regular exercise, meditation, and relaxation time to recharge.
Self Realistic Expectations - Be realistic about what you can accomplish in a given timeframe. Avoid overloading yourself with tasks that might lead to stress and reduced quality of work.
While multitasking is generally discouraged, there are times when it's necessary. Try to combine tasks that don't require a high level of focus, such as listening to an audiobook while commuting.
Conclusion
Time management is crucial for everyone, and
it's especially important for working women who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
With correct actions women are able to save time for family, work and
themselves too.
References
E Times, 2022. What make women better at time
management, organizational skill and multitasking. [Online]
Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/relationships/love-sex/what-makes-women-better-at-time-management-organizational-skills-and-multitasking/articleshow/90055364.cms
[Accessed 22 08 2023].
Wisdom Times, 2023. Time
Management for the Working Woman. [Online]
Available at: https://www.wisdomtimes.com/blog/time-management-for-the-working-woman/
[Accessed 22 8 2023].
A good article to read.
ReplyDeleteThe blog underscores the critical role of time management, particularly for women who frequently balance various responsibilities.
According to Mittani (2015) Effective time management enables women to efficiently allocate time to their family, work, and personal needs.
By employing appropriate strategies and practices, women can optimize their schedules to achieve a balance between these different aspects of their lives. This not only benefits their own well-being but also contributes to their success in both professional and personal spheres.
Overall, the statement recognizes the significance of time management as a tool that empowers working women to fulfill their diverse roles effectively and maintain a healthy equilibrium in their lives.
Informative article. Time management is essential for working women, who often have to balance work responsibilities with family and personal obligations. According to Chitra(2022) A working woman has more responsibilities to handle other than domestic chores, for them every day is like a new challenge.
ReplyDeleteManaging time for working women becomes imperative. A structured time management technique with enough efforts solves every challenge that is faced in a day by them.
Thank you Sachini
DeleteHi Shehani
ReplyDeleteAs a women I fully agree with the contents of your blog article.
Eleanor Roosevelt's quote highlights the strength of women, especially in the face of domestic responsibilities. Women have become strong, educated, self-sufficient, and financially independent, despite their softness and innocence. Balancing work and home is crucial for women, and time management is essential. Women have a natural ability to switch between tasks, as they have been caretakers for generations, managing household work, children, and family members.
Absolutely, as a working woman, I couldn't agree more. Time management truly becomes a cornerstone of our daily lives. Balancing work commitments, family responsibilities, and personal needs is an intricate dance that demands efficient time allocation.
ReplyDeleteThe key lies in those "correct actions" you mentioned. Strategically prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and learning to say no when necessary are all essential skills. It's about finding that delicate equilibrium where we can excel in our careers, nurture our families, and still carve out moments for ourselves.
When we manage our time effectively, we're not just ticking off to-do lists; we're reclaiming our control over the day. It's a way to create space for what truly matters – quality time with loved ones, personal growth, and self-care. While it's not always easy, mastering time management empowers us to thrive in our various roles without burning out.
In the end, it's a journey of self-discovery, trial, and adaptation. And as working women, we're living proof that with the right strategies, we can navigate our responsibilities with grace and still find moments to shine.
Insightful piece. Effective time management holds significant importance for women in the workforce, as they frequently navigate the intricate equilibrium between professional commitments and familial/personal duties. As Chitra (2022) suggests, working women juggle multifaceted responsibilities beyond household tasks, making each day a fresh trial.
ReplyDeleteThe need to master time allocation becomes paramount. Employing a well-organized time management strategy, coupled with dedicated endeavors, offers the solution to conquer the array of daily challenges encountered by these women.
You are absolutely correct. Efficient time management brings numerous benefits, both personally and professionally. Below are some of the key advantages of good time management:
ReplyDeleteEnhanced productivity: You can achieve more in less time by effectively managing your time. This can result in greater efficiency and accomplishment in both your personal and professional spheres.
Decreased stress levels: Feeling in charge of your time can lessen stress; leading to an overall more content and healthy life.
This can result in better focus. When one focuses solely on one task at a time, it increases the likelihood of productivity and success. Effective time management can enhance focus and concentration.
yes,time management is the key to enhance productivity, decreased stress levels too and finally for a better focus
DeleteGreat Article!! In addition to the points you've provided, "A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water". This inspirational saying by Eleanor Roosevelt simply highlights a woman's courage and how she bravely rises to the occasion when faced with a difficult and hard situation. Every day is a problems, especially for a working woman with home obligations! Women have made tremendous advances. They are strong, educated, self-sufficient, and financially independent today without losing their tenderness, innocence, or loving and caring character. (2015) Considering the modern context, how do they manage the delicate balance between their roles in both the workplace and at home?
ReplyDeleteAn important topic and insightful indeed. I agree that time management is not just a skill; it's a survival tool for working women. It's easy to get overwhelmed, but with the right strategies, it's possible to thrive in both professional and personal spheres. I've personally benefited from setting boundaries, learning to say no when necessary, and seeking support when needed.
ReplyDelete