4 days ago
Why 58% of Workers Use Time Blocking Daily
Calendar app on tablet computer time blocking or timeboxing
As more workers look for ways to bring balance between productivity and wellbeing in their day-to-day lives, timeboxing or blocking off time in their calendar helps protect their focus time. According to the 2024 Owl Labs State of Hybrid Work report, 58% of hybrid workers use time blocking to be in control of their day and protect it from imposed meetings.
In a workplace filled with constant notifications, blurred work-life boundaries, and shifting priorities, the ability to intentionally structure your time has become essential, not just for getting more done, but for protecting your well-being. Employees at all levels are finding that they are constantly checking their emails, responding to Slack messages, or switching tasks, leaving aside complex tasks that may be even more desirable, engaging, and satisfying, but require intense focus time.
Owl Labs reports show that millennials, in particular, are blocking their calendars notably more than any other generation: 57% of millennials block their calendar, compared to 14% of Gen Z, 22% of Gen X, and 7% of baby boomers.
On the other hand, 64% of full-time office workers timebox, compared to 28% of hybrid workers and 8% of full-time remote workers. It makes sense to me, as I started timeboxing when I was working in-office. Open spaces are great for collaboration for some people, but they are terrible for focus and deep work for others. It's nearly impossible to have uninterrupted time for yourself or to do what really matters to you. To enjoy your work and maintain productivity, quality, and well-being, you need to prioritize your 'me' time. Your calendar is your primary tool to navigate this demanding environment.
Time blocking is the practice of dividing your day into chunks of focused time dedicated to specific tasks, allowing you to plan your day proactively.
For example:
It's like scheduling a meeting with yourself to do what you think is essential first. To me, it's like having a live to-do list. I like to use timeboxes of 45 minutes to allow for some buffer time and a quick break.
By blocking time for specific tasks, you can:
Many people try time blocking once and give up because they make it too rigid. The key is flexibility with structure. Here are four tips to get started:
In my book Timebox, I highlight that time blocking isn't about achieving more but focusing on what truly matters, all while emphasizing clarity and self-care. The objective is to find a balance between productivity and wellbeing, not making sure you are using every single second available to work. Effective time management encompasses more than just tips and tools; it requires cultivating harmony between your external responsibilities and internal feelings. By prioritizing balance and being mindful of your self-talk, you can change time management from a battle against the clock into a collaborative effort with yourself.
If you find yourself falling behind on a task, instead of thinking, 'I'm so disorganized,' try saying, 'I did my best with the time I had. Where can I improve next time?' and remind yourself of the progress you've made.
When overwhelmed, consider asking, 'What's one thing I can do today, letting go of the rest?'.Self compassion involves not letting you off the hook, but rather intentionally scheduling the task for later.
Remember, time management is not about doing everything you planned every day, but about doing what is more important for you so that at the end of the day, you feel satisfied.
If you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or trapped in a cycle of reaction, it could be the right moment to explore how you can incorporate time blocking like 58% of your colleagues are already doing.
