Does Time Management Work?

Time management is said to improve productivity and overall performance, but does it actually work? A meta-analysis by Brad Aeon, Aïda Faber, and Alexandra Panaccio analyzed 158 studies with over 53,000 people to answer this question. We summarize the most relevant results for the work environment.

Source: Aeon B, Faber A, Panaccio A. Does time management work? A meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2021 Jan 11;16(1)

. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245066.

1. Time Management Helps, But Not How You Think

• Time management has a moderate impact on job performance.
• Time management has a stronger effect on wellbeing than performance.

2. Time Management Matters More Now

• Over the last 30 years, the correlation between time management and job performance has increased.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245066

3. Time Management and Wellbeing

• Time management reduces distress, but to a lesser extent than its positive effect on overall wellbeing.

Key Takeaway

Yes, time management does work. While it can improve job performance, it has a stronger impact on wellbeing, and reducing stress.