Managing Workload

Article Written by James Tonge, Philosophy Undergraduate at The University of Manchester.

Managing workload is an essential skill not only for students but also practising lawyers and solicitors. It is a skill, which when honed correctly, can be beneficial for meeting deadlines, organising future projects and overall allowing a more balanced work life. This skill is crucial in all walks of life, whether it be in law, accounting or marketing so as you can imagine there is a plentitude of information available on the internet which discusses the most efficient ways to work and organise. This article will first outline some benefits of mastering this practice, before illustrating some techniques to help you apply this to your studies.

Benefits of Managing Workloads

Increased effectiveness and productivity

Setting priorities for your work naturally increases productivity and efficiency. It enables you to focus your time and attention on the tasks that are most essential to you. For example, work for an approaching deadline should be the top priority. As soon as you are aware of this you will naturally work more productively and efficiently. This may seem like an obvious point, but it is an essential one nonetheless.

Avoid putting things off

Procrastination consumes time and diverts you from your most critical duties. By keeping your most critical tasks at the top of your to-do list, prioritisation helps you recognise and concentrate on your most important tasks. Procrastination is simpler to avoid if you have that insight. Many students hate the idea of reading case studies and law articles and naturally procrastination creeps in. But this can be avoided to a greater extent when you are aware of the importance of the task at hand and, when completed, the sense of fulfilment can act as a motivating factor to build up good habits.

Reclaiming Time

Setting priorities for your work will provide you with extra time. Focusing on your top goals by working smarter, not harder, will allow you to save valuable hours. This is particularly useful in examination periods, which are hectic for any law student, as by saving valuable hours you’ll have more time to rest and take work-related breaks. You can control your workload and have more time to concentrate on broader goals when you set priorities and complete a small number of crucial activities. A managed workload allows you to spend more time planning and thinking rather than spending valuable time on low-value tasks.

How to Manage Workload

The first step for a managed workload is getting to know yourself, and how you like to approach your studies. Everyone works differently, so the first step is recognising how you work best. Are you a morning or night person? How do you revise the best? Do you complete work all at once or spread it out? These are a few questions you should consider as a first step to mastering a heavy amount of work. The next step is one many people overlook, and this is investing in a diary or planner. This can act as a visual aid to help remind you of your tasks and acts as an avenue for a clear plan of action. The next step is something which has been touched on already, and this is prioritising your tasks. Look up and note upcoming deadlines, and then jot them down in your planner or diary. Then, begin to organise your resources and highlight crucial parts of your topic which you may be unsure of, or need to focus on more in detail. With this in mind, set specific targets for each week and begin writing daily to-do lists. These ideas should give you a clear plan to target and achieve your goals.

But this is only half the story, a plan is one thing but sticking to it is another. So, you should begin to take advantage of your university facilities. Do not just stay in your accommodation or student house. Make use of the libraries in your university and city and look for study spaces to keep your approach to your work fresh and avoid burnout. Consult your peers also, work with friends or even create study groups; the advantage of this is that tedious work may become less boring, and you have access to different ideas on particular topics. You should also contact any relevant university staff if you are struggling with particular work. Remember that professors, lecturers and academic advisors are paid to help students – it is their job! So don’t be afraid of asking for assistance and take advantage of their experience to help you achieve your own goals.

The satisfaction of a managed workload helps form desirable habits and prepares you for employment after graduation. But remember you are still a student, make time for yourself and activities you enjoy. That being said, a managed workload will help you with this.