But as efficient as they might be, they can end up wasting time because of factors outside of their control. Many employees are at the high end of efficiency. In fact, they probably aren’t even aware that their pace is slow. The second type of non-productive time involves poor work habits by employees who would never admit to wasting time. This includes some of the following activities: This is what’s traditionally known as wasted time. On occasion, employees take time from their employers. Time not spent on the things that should get done fall into three major categories: personal issues, work habits and corporate impediments. Reboot time is just one type of non-productive time. So companies should expect some amount of time expenditures that are not always productive. For instance, if you get up to stretch your legs for a moment, or gaze out the window to reflect, it would be unfair to classify this as wasted time. There is plenty of non-productive time during working hours, but that doesn’t always mean it is wasted. At work, employees have to take breaks, eat lunch, use the washroom, and travel to customers. For instance, administrative tasks add up to about 25% of a manager’s time.įinally, there is necessary time. These are the “B” responsibilities that need to get done.Įmployees occasionally do things that aren’t part of their main job, but are imposed by others. These are what we call “A” priorities.Įmployees also spend time on activities that support their priorities. They spend their time on the important activities that create results. That’s what they get paid for, what they excel at, and it’s how others see them. They’re managing, or selling, or designing, or processing, or teaching. When people are spending their time well at work, they’re doing what their job descriptions say they should. To understand waste, we first need to understand how time should be spent. So what exactly do we mean by wasted time?
We accuse others, but we toil in perfection, never attributing wastefulness to our own actions. But jeez, look at all the waste all over the place.”
Of course I would never waste someone else’s time, let alone my own. “That guy in the other department wasted my time. In so many cases, it’s always someone else’s fault. Though it’s curious how no one ever dares to take ownership of the problem. Time was wasted, and someone is to blame. Do you ever hear this at work? It’s an incriminating observation for what is often just a petty inconvenience.
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