Wednesday 27th Jan 2021
As workforces continue to manage — and overcome — the various challenges that working from home can present, many people are exploring ways to boost morale, improve productivity, and stay motivated through the difficult times ahead.
While setting your own schedule and rulebook may seem like a dream come true for many brokers, others can struggle to adjust to a more independent routine and feel like large portions of their day are eaten up by inane jobs.
It’s important to stick to realistic timeframes and give each task your full focus in order to continue to provide the excellent service your clients are accustomed to. So, here are a few pointers to effectively manage your time while working from home.
-
Create a killer to do list
At the beginning of your working week, try to identify all tasks to be completed within the timeframe, along with a rough idea of how long each will take you.
Remember to be realistic with what you can achieve and keep referring back to it to make additions, amendments, and satisfyingly checking it off when done.
-
Establish priorities
Try to start each day by first establishing what your top goals are — if you have a meeting-heavy week then try to set aside blocks of time for prep beforehand, and actioning points post-call.
Although it’s tempting to put off meatier tasks to the afternoon, it can often help to get them ticked off early and set a positive rhythm for the rest of the day.
-
Take a break
Stepping away from the screen for half an hour to go for a walk or do some exercise can work wonders for productivity and energy levels on your return to the desk. Try to factor a break into your daily plan each week so you can shape your workload around them.
-
The four Ds
The dreaded inbox is a common ‘time thief’ among office workers. Occupational psychologist, Emma Donaldson-Feilder suggests making an immediate decision the first time you open an email is a great time management hack.
Try practicing the ‘four Ds’ — delete, do, delegate or defer. This method will prevent the unactioned emails from stacking up, and help add structure and discipline to your working day.
-
Ask for help
And finally, remember it’s impossible to be good at everything. Attempting to juggle too many different tasks — some that simply aren’t your forte — can result in an underwhelming result and a poor level of service. If there’s something you’re not that confident with, ask for help or delegate to someone who you know could do a better job — there’s no shame in it!
Head to our Invoice Finance page to find out how we can help your business and for further top tips and advice!