Time-Management - Other Accommodations

Here are some other ideas for ways to improve your job performance.  These strategies will help you stay organized, create structure for you at work, and provide you with visual information.  

Use quick visual reminders.

• Use sticky notes. Put them in places where you will be sure to see them. Some people put them on the edge of their computer.  Other people put them on a bulletin board or on their desk. 
  
  
• Jot down notes on a small dry erase board to remind yourself of important things.
  
  
• Use a timer or watch to know when to start and end tasks.  Some people like to use the timer on their watch, computer, or cell phone.  Other people like to set a kitchen timer or use a liquid visual timer. 

Ask for written down instructions to accompany or even instead of verbal instructions.

• Many people learn and remember information better when they hear it and see it.   That is why you may need both written instructions and verbal instructions (your supervisor telling you the instructions aloud). 
  
  
• Having written down instructions allows you to go back and re-read the instructions as you go through the task.  Then you can be certain you are not missing steps or instructions.
  
  
• Ask your supervisor if he or she can give you written instructions.  Or, take notes when your supervisor is giving you instructions.  That way, you have a written version of the instructions to help you remember.
  

Request only one task to complete at a time.  This might prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.  It can also allow you to concentrate exclusively on just that one task.  Then, when you have completed that task you can request the next task to do.

Request to work in a separate area, table, desk, or cubicle.

• Working in a separate area can minimize distractions for some people.  Get creative with the furniture if you need to and are allowed to.  Try to sit or work facing a wall rather than out into a larger room to also minimize distractions.  Arrange bookshelves to block out the rest of the room and distracting visual stimuli. 
  
  
• Activity in the work place can be very distracting to most people, so sectioning yourself off from watching this activity will likely increase your ability to focus and concentrate. 

 

Basic accommodations Use quick visual reminders (i.e. post-it notes). Use a timer /watch to know when to start and end tasks. Request written instructions to accompany or to replace verbal instructions. Request only one task to complete at a time. Request a separate work area to reduce distraction.