Last updated on Mar 11, 2024

You're a construction professional with a tight schedule. How can you make the most of your time?

As a construction professional, you know how important it is to manage your time efficiently. Whether you're a contractor, a project manager, or a tradesperson, you have to juggle multiple tasks, deadlines, and expectations every day. How can you make the most of your time without compromising your quality, safety, or reputation? Here are some tips to help you optimize your productivity and time management in the construction industry.

1 Plan ahead

The first step to making the most of your time is to plan ahead. Planning ahead means setting clear and realistic goals, prioritizing your tasks, and allocating your resources accordingly. You should also anticipate any potential risks, delays, or changes that might affect your schedule and prepare contingency plans. Planning ahead will help you avoid wasting time on unnecessary or unimportant activities, and keep you focused on your main objectives.

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Taoheed O Fasasi, MSc CSP CMIOSH IDipNebosh/NVQ Assessor/IQA

Manchester
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To optimise my time as a construction professional, I prioritise tasks by importance and urgency. I delegate where possible, utilise technology for efficiency, stick to schedules, and communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth progress. I regularly review and adjust plans as needed to stay on track.

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2 Communicate effectively

The second step to making the most of your time is to communicate effectively. Communication is key to ensuring that everyone involved in the project is on the same page, understands their roles and responsibilities, and can collaborate smoothly. You should communicate regularly and clearly with your clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and team members, using the appropriate channels and tools. You should also provide feedback, updates, and reports on your progress and performance. Communication will help you prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and mistakes that could cost you time and money.

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Kareem Khattab, Planning Manager

Planning Manager (Construction), NER, PE, PSP®, PMP®, MCIArb
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There is a lot of times where you are procastinating to do something or think it is hard, while it is either done by someone else or most of the information is with someone else. Just speak, have even normal chats, ask, and you usually will find the most daunting task easy, and it is broken down then to smaller manageble pieces. Just speak with your peers.

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Kurt Günter

Business Development Manager @ Beacons | Electrical Engineering process design, renewables wind, solar and Battery
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Dependant on the industry which will have its own dynamics, the basics of a priority list is the best approach, working backwards from safety towards stakeholder engagement, the point I'm making is there is no one size fits all approach, the basic precepts of project management are just a framework, success needs a little more

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3 Use technology

The third step to making the most of your time is to use technology. Technology can help you streamline your processes, automate your tasks, and improve your efficiency and accuracy. You can use various software and applications to manage your projects, track your time, monitor your budget, create your documents, and more. You can also use digital devices and platforms to communicate, share, and access information anytime and anywhere. Technology will help you save time, reduce errors, and enhance your quality and productivity.

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Martin James W.

𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 & 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐬 / 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐬 . Working with main contractors, architects & designers, manufacturing and installing internal & fire doors.
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In the construction industry, technology is indeed a game-changer. It's worth noting that specific construction management software can help in project planning, scheduling, cost control, and budget management, quality management, and document administration. Moreover, Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology can enhance collaboration, reduce rework, and save time and costs. Also, the use of drones, 3D printing, and robotics are revolutionizing the construction site by improving safety and efficiency.

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Kam Cheng MSc BSc(Hons) MNZIOB, MNZIQS, MRICS

The Wharton School
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Here are a few practical applications of technology to make the most of your time: AR in Construction Layouts: Trimble's SiteVision AR overlays digital blueprints onto sites, ensuring precise construction layout alignment. AI-Driven Construction Scheduling: Procore's Construction Scheduling uses AI to predict delays and optimize project timelines with historical data. Digital Twins for Real-Time Insights: Bentley's iTwin platform creates digital twins, providing real-time insights for proactive decision-making and project monitoring. These technologies accelerate decision-making, minimize errors, and optimize schedules, ushering in unprecedented construction industry efficiency and innovation.

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4 Delegate wisely

The fourth step to making the most of your time is to delegate wisely. Delegating means assigning tasks to other people who have the skills, knowledge, and experience to complete them. Delegating will help you free up your time for more important or complex tasks, and also empower and motivate your team members. However, delegating also requires trust, accountability, and supervision. You should delegate tasks that are suitable for the person's level of competence and confidence, and provide clear instructions, expectations, and feedback. You should also monitor their progress and performance, and offer support and guidance when needed.

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5 Take breaks

The fifth step to making the most of your time is to take breaks. Taking breaks means giving yourself some time to rest, relax, and recharge. Taking breaks will help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and boost your energy and creativity. You should take breaks throughout the day, as well as longer breaks between projects or phases. You should also use your breaks to do something that you enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or chatting with a friend. Taking breaks will help you maintain your health, well-being, and performance.

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Remi Opasina (B.Tech,SIIRSM,CMIOSH) Lead Auditor

HSE MANAGER (General Engineering Consultancy)
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Prioritise your goals and share the responsibilities of achieving those goals among your team members accordingly. Have the timeline in record and monitor the progress daily, monthly or yearly.

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6 Learn and improve

The sixth step to making the most of your time is to learn and improve. Learning and improving means seeking feedback, evaluating your results, and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. Learning and improving will help you enhance your skills, knowledge, and expertise, and also discover new ways to solve problems, overcome challenges, and achieve your goals. You should learn and improve continuously, by attending training courses, reading books and articles, joining professional networks, and asking for advice and mentorship. Learning and improving will help you grow as a construction professional and increase your value and reputation.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Construction

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You're a construction professional with a tight schedule. How can you make the most of your time?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate effectively

3 Use technology

4 Delegate wisely

5 Take breaks

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction

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You're a construction professional with a tight schedule. How can you make the most of your time?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Plan ahead

2 Communicate effectively

3 Use technology

4 Delegate wisely

5 Take breaks

6 Learn and improve

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction

Rate this article

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