You’re often dealing with high-profile clients and a fast-paced environment that requires juggling international time zones, not to mention public transport delays and the general chaos of working in a metropolis!
On top of this, in large corporations with lots of expectations, it can sometimes feel like you’re running on a hamster wheel without getting anything done. Here’s how you can ensure that you stay organised at work, keep achieving your goals, and avoid the feeling of “busywork”.
Leave earlier than you think
A bustling city means you should expect delays getting anywhere. Prepare for them effectively by leaving at least 10 minutes before you usually would leave to get to an appointment reachable only by public transport or taxi. Research shows that, unlike “time optimists”, “timekeepers” feel less anxious when they leave with ample time and are more focused on the task in front of them.
The likelihood is that you won’t be kept waiting around before the meeting, but if you arrive in plenty of time, you will have the time to relax and mentally prepare. And perhaps catch up on your reading!
Pencil everything into your diary
That’s right, even pencil in your lunches and breaks! Block out times to respond to emails and make headway with your latest project. Some people might find all this organisation overkill, but itemising every part of your workday, at least at the beginning of your organisation “reset”, can be a great way to start thinking about how much time you realistically have in your day.
By taking the day-to-day scheduling out of your hands and working a little more mechanically at the outset, you also become more aware of the regular time drainers and tasks you tend to complete more quickly than you think.
(If you need more tips on how to organise your schedule, read “How to manage your lists at work”)
Forget what you learned about inbox zero
The goal to clear your inbox might sound attractive because it is tangible, but the reality is that the goal itself is meaningless. Your inbox will soon stack up again, leaving you with the feeling that you are behind with work.
Focus instead on what you achieved in the day. Did you respond to a tricky query from a client? Did you keep the ball rolling on a long-term project by updating your team members on current milestones? Foreground your achievements, and you’ll realise that the goal of inbox zero is arbitrary.
Maintain perspective and prioritise accordingly
The tone of communication from our team members, managers, and clients can sometimes negatively affect us. People who treat every one of their projects as “high priority”, whether through the tone of the email or clicking the “high priority” function on the email, can force us into thinking their request is important.
Before you drop everything and spring into action, take a step back and assess what you’re being asked to do. What contingencies does that task put on your work? Can you feasibly fit them into your schedule by the deadline they’ve given you?
If you need more time, reach out to the person and don’t be afraid to ask them to extend their deadline. You might find a later due date magically opens up.
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We hope you found this article helpful to you. We have a whole series of articles all about navigating the modern workplace, as well as how to apply for the job you want. If you’re on the hunt for the next step in your career, follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn to learn more about the roles we recruit for, or send us your CV, and we will be in touch!
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