As we celebrate National Time Management Month this February, take time to address the risks of wasted time in your company. This checklist outlines the risks and solutions that improve efficiency, productivity, satisfaction, and profits.
Risks of Wasting Time
- Unfulfilled Employees Employees lose focus and motivation to work harder when they don’t enjoy or want to do the boring, menial, or unfulfilling work they’re assigned.
- Missed Deadlines Your company may miss production deadlines if employees are unable to finish projects on time.
- Reduced Quality The goods or services your company provides suffer when employees become distracted.
- Poor Customer Service Procrastination and wasted time can affect the service customers receive and ultimately cost your company money.
- Internal Relationship Strains Co‑worker relationships suffer when individuals don’t pull their weight.
- Loss of Business Your company’s reputation is compromised and you could lose business if you deliver inconsistent products or miss deadlines.
How to Improve Time Management
- Lead by example Supervisors and other members of the management team must show employees how to maximize their time each day.
- Provide training Equip employees with time management tools and strategies they will use.
- Set goals A timeline with delivery deadlines can motivate employees to work harder.
- Clarify expectations Satisfied, fulfilled and conscientious employees know the details of their job description and what’s expected of them.
- Show the big picture When employees get your company’s vision and understand how their contribution affects the company’s success, they’re more likely to work hard.
- Challenge employees Ensure each of your employees has adequate and challenging work that keeps them satisfied and busy.
- Offer incentives Rewards can motivate employees to work faster and harder.
- Provide accountability Employees may waste less time if they know that their performance is measured consistently, objectively and constructively.
- Implement and enforce a cyberloafing policy Clarify when employees can use the internet for personal use, implement filters that block certain sites, and enforce the policy consistently.
- Insist on breaks Regular breaks throughout the day reduce monotony and give employees time to recharge.
- Socialize outside of work Arrange social events after work so employees can talk, connect, and build teamwork and cooperation.
Your company faces numerous risks when employees waste time. While professional liability and other commercial insurance policies can help protect your business from mistakes and errors, shifting behavior and improving processes will reduce risk and improve performance.
For businesses with specialized exposures, consider relevant coverage options such as Solar-Heated Risk Insurance or Locum Tenens Insurance to address industry-specific needs.
If you need help applying these steps to your business, ask an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify why employees are wasting time?
Start with direct conversations, time audits, and anonymous surveys to learn whether issues stem from workload, unclear expectations, boredom, or distractions.
What is a reasonable approach to internet use at work?
Set a written cyberloafing policy that allows limited personal use during breaks, specifies blocked categories, and explains monitoring and consequences.
Can breaks actually improve productivity?
Yes. Short, regular breaks reduce fatigue and maintain focus, which often improves overall productivity and work quality.
How should managers provide accountability without harming morale?
Use objective metrics, regular feedback, and development-focused reviews so accountability feels fair and supports employee growth.