What do you do when you have downtime with your work?
What sort of tasks do you work on? How do you stay productive? What if you are not sure what to do?
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Jun 21, 2014
1) clean my cupboards
2) read a book
3) go for a walk
4) go thru all the hand written notes
May 9, 2014
This would really be dependent on what you do in your "up time". In Sales and Marketing my downtime is when I focus on building my network, catching up on LinkedIn, editing my blog etc. It helps turn my downtime into up time, making me more profitable to my company.
May 8, 2014
I update my websites so they are current. I got a client several months ago because my website said it had been last updated (three days ago).
I attend Biznik, LinkedIn, and other networking events.
I go through my prospects list and recontact people who inquired about my services.
May 7, 2014
What is downtime? I believe somewhere in my distant past or childhood I remember reading about something called downtime. Must have been fictional...
May 7, 2014
I like to spend downtime learning new skills. I am a big believer in lifelong learning. Right, now I am learning how to program in Java.
May 6, 2014
You never want to be 100 % billing nor do you want to go low enough that you don't bill adequately.
Downtime is the reason why we go into a career/business so that we can enjoy the fruits of our labor I suppose.
So, there is no question of what tasks are appropriate for such a time. It can vary from doing accounts, pursuing hobbies, engaging in physical activities and even household chores as and when convenient and needed.
Staying productive can also be achieved by writing an article or blog or even reading something of value or even engaging in some volunteering work.
If you are not sure of what to do, just contact your local chamber of commerce who is always in need of some great volunteers (just as your local high school is looking for volunteers).
Hope this helps.
Dr. Shree
May 6, 2014
Hello Stephanie - this is a great question. Downtime is an opportunity for managers to find out "why you are really there". Using downtime for self-education, maintaining administrative tasks, personal research on the company (goals, direction, new business developments, etc.), and further developing your own skills for your current position (and future positions with mentors, etc.) is a great way to spend downtime. On every team I have ever been a part of, I have always asked the team leaders and management about projects, or things I can work on during downtime. This shows your interest, but also creates some accountability - which is good, because you can then follow up with them as you do that work, or complete it. Managers look for ways to make their employees, and their team shine - and you can be a very positive contributor to that. In addition, develop a mentor network to better understand what you need to do to get to the next level in your role, or corporate world. Once you have that info, then start setting goals, and working on accomplishing those goals, and share those with your manager. I will also state that the flip side - not doing anything constructive - makes management feel like you just will do the minimum, get your paycheck and go home... to what you REALLY want to do. Show your manager that you LIKE to be there, and are EXCITED to be a part of where this company is going. It will be noticed! I Hope this helps Stephanie.
May 6, 2014
Hi Stephanie,
This is a great question. One of the keys to my success has been the ability to turn 'downtime' into productive work time. If you are new on the job or doing an internship, ask for projects that you can work on when you are a bit slow. Look around the office. Is someone struggling in an area that comes naturally to you? Does someone seem stressed because they have too much on their plate? You will be making someone else's job a bit more manageable and may end up creating a permanent position for yourself by making yourself indispensable. You will also begin to build your reputation as someone who takes initiative. Good luck!!
May 6, 2014
It's important to use this sort of time wisely. I never look at it as 'downtime' really - I take this opportunity to mostly reflect, think, be creative, plan. And then be able to action my project more strategically! That is one way how I personally keep my mind fresh, keep moving, learning and grow. So if you can learn how to use 'downtime' to your advantage then embrace it.
May 6, 2014
I agree. I often think the flux and flow is what makes the "aha" moment come together!
May 6, 2014
Hi.
My motto is there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done/learned.
When I have downtime at work it is usually the items that have the lowest priority should now be done. IE Filing, cleaning out drawers, establishing new routines etc.
I am fortunate that my workplace provides me with tons of training that I can use as self improvement. The better I am and the more I know, gives me the edge to move up within the company. If you love what you do and where you work and there is room for improvement...Why not use your downtime to make yourself better at your job?
Good luck and I hope this helps.
Well said Bobby.