Know how to plan and Manage workload...Unit 4.2

"Know how to plan and manage workload", This is a knowledge based section in my course where I shall now present some handy tips and ways to plan and manage a theoretical workload in a theoretical workplace so we are not theoretically running around like a headless chicken getting into theoretical trouble by not fufilling our theoretical tasks (did you get all that?).

Managing a workload is simply time management, and as one great now most likely over-quoted person once said "time is money", so with this in mind managing your workload effectively means managing your time (to help make you the money!), effective time management now-a-days can be done relatively easily as most operating systems on computers (a common office tool!) come equipped with many handy ways to manage your time at work to ensure that you are hitting your goals as efficiently as possible.

Handy Programmes for Effective Time Management + Planning of workload:


1) Sticky Notes: Usually comes innate with any MAC product but there is also a version for theWindows OS as well, it is basically updatable, coloured sticky notes that are omni-present on your desktop to remind you of tasks as and when you get them, its a small program that takes very little hardware to run so is great for all those little reminders and side tasks you are given that otherwise end up stuck all over your office. You can reshape them, change the colours, add in links and hyperlinks to the internet and a few other handy little features. A program like this is a must for anyone with a job with a lot to remember (like me!).

I understand this is hard to read but check out THIS post which explains the broader use of using Stickies at work.

 2) ICAL: Another essential program for organising your worklife is the ICAL, again from the MAC OSX this program is effectively a digital calender. Whereas a physical calender sits in a dusty corner somewhere being unused this one (when utilized correctly) serves as an invaluable tool for organising ones day. From having scheduled meetings pop up with a personalized alarm to remind you, or putting in important dates of premieres, or even just to remind you to pick up the post in the morning the ICAL program has features that the physical incarnation could never offer. This is also avaible on your I-phone (if you have one as I, unlike the adverts understand that some people do not.)  You can also utilize the Apple Cloud Software, effectively allowing you to update your calender on the move from any log in-able spot you can find.

This is not reflective of how I actually use this program..

3) Excel: Where would we be without this program? In a sad world without the ease of access to effective, quick to use spreadsheets, thats where (a hell on earth I can assure you). Excel is the office workers most powerful tool in the fight against administration and the failings of the human memory. Excel is a program I'm sure everyone reading this will have had some small interaction with at some point in the last couple of years and either hated it or praised its arrival in the IT world. Offered as part of the ever useful MICROSOFT OFFICE (caps used for dramatic effect) Excel is a spreadsheet platform that allows for the creation of quick and effective databases, lists or itineraries that many a successful office runs on. It has many useful functions but can be essential in the planning and measuring of ones tasks and workload, whether it's creating stock reports, making a database for tasks you have been given, remembering birthdays, making printable itineraries for clients or just a way for you to keep a log of what youve been paid over the year, Excel will improve any workers output when used effectively.

A Gant Chart created on Excel (I didn't make this, please thank Google Images)

Using some or possibly all these programs is a sure fire way to ensure that you are keeping on top of the tasks you have been given and along with the basics of planning and managing your workload (in my opinon) of clear,consise labelling of files, creating folders within folders ("we have to go deeper!!")  to ensure work is easily found and storing work on a backup server, harddrive or CD's will make you a well planned tour-de-force within your chosen job sector and will ensure that you are performing to the top of your game using your computer to augment your puny human capabilities!!! Hurray for Androids!