How to Get Your Work Done by 5pm

We all know how to waste time at the office. Who isn't buried under a pile of emails, printed materials waiting to be read, meetings to attend and projects to complete. Beside these tasks that you absolutely have to tend to, don't forget the social aspect of work. There are television shows to chat about, coffee or smoking breaks to take, websites to be surfed and the corporate ladder to be climbed by networking.

It takes a focused, determined employee to complete all of the work in your job description in the amount of hours you are paid to be at work each day. That's why most people work during their lunch hour and stay late on a regular basis. In my career, I have found a few tricks to help me with my time management.

I have had experience in telecommuting. Working from home is the best way to actually get your work done. Some people claim to find it hard to concentrate at home and they miss the social aspect of going to the office. However, my priorities lie on being close to home during the day and not having to stay late at work (even if the office is in my house).

By telecommuting, you can avoid people starting unwanted conversations with you, you can take meetings over the phone and multitask during the calls, and start work earlier than you would if you had to drive to the office.

When I had previously worked in the office, I employed some tricks in order to avoid unwanted interruptions (unfortunately, I had a cubicle, not an office). I would put on my headphones and pretend I was on a call when I wanted to focus on a project and avoid unwanted visitors at my desk.

Other ways to get more done when you work in an office are to walk quickly in the hallways. Look like you are going to a meeting. Maybe even carry a notebook with you. If someone wants to talk to you, ask them to walk with you. Also, you can try to avoid making eye contact with people who are known for being chatty.

If you have caller ID, you can screen your calls. I would rather call someone back at my convenience than have that person interrupt me during the time I am concentrating on completing my project. You might be able to train clients to fax requests to you. This will cut down on phone calls and emails.

Focus is something we all have inside; we just need some tricks to keep it in line at work.