What are the best ways to assess an employee's time management skills?

1 Set clear expectations

The first step to assessing an employee's time management skills is to set clear and realistic expectations for their work. You should communicate the scope, deadline, quality, and resources of each task, and align them with the overall objectives of the project or department. You should also provide feedback and guidance along the way, and monitor the progress and performance of your employees. By setting clear expectations, you can measure the results and outcomes of your employee's work, and see how well they manage their time.

2 Use time tracking tools

Another way to assess an employee's time management skills is to use time tracking tools, such as apps, software, or spreadsheets, that can record and analyze how your employee spends their time on different tasks. Time tracking tools can help you and your employee to see how much time they spend on each task, how they prioritize their work, how they handle interruptions and distractions, and how they balance their workload. Time tracking tools can also help you and your employee to identify and eliminate time wasters, and optimize their productivity and efficiency.

3 Conduct self-assessments and peer reviews

A third way to assess an employee's time management skills is to conduct self-assessments and peer reviews, where your employee can reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses, and receive feedback from their colleagues. Self-assessments and peer reviews can help your employee to gain insight into their own time management habits, behaviors, and challenges, and learn from the best practices and suggestions of others. Self-assessments and peer reviews can also help your employee to set goals and action plans for improving their time management skills, and track their progress and achievements.

4 Observe their work habits and behaviors

A fourth way to assess an employee's time management skills is to observe their work habits and behaviors, such as how they organize their workspace, how they schedule their day, how they handle multiple tasks, how they cope with stress and pressure, and how they communicate and collaborate with others. Observing your employee's work habits and behaviors can help you to understand their time management style, preferences, and needs, and tailor your support and coaching accordingly. Observing your employee's work habits and behaviors can also help you to spot any signs of poor time management, such as procrastination, confusion, frustration, or burnout, and intervene before they affect their performance and well-being.

6 Ask for feedback from clients and stakeholders

A sixth way to assess an employee's time management skills is to ask for feedback from clients and stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, partners, or managers, who are involved or affected by your employee's work. Asking for feedback from clients and stakeholders can help you to measure the impact and value of your employee's work, and see how they meet or exceed their expectations and requirements. Asking for feedback from clients and stakeholders can also help you to identify any gaps or issues in your employee's time management skills, and address them promptly and effectively.

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?