8 Time Management Tactics to Keep Yourself Sane
New year, same to-do list.
Or, as internal communication (IC) professionals know it: the “didn’t we just finish year-end wrap-ups?” time of year. You’re busy. Overwhelmed, even. And when you’re running IC solo—or as part of a small team—every moment counts.
The good news? Time management isn’t about cramming more into your day. It’s about spending your time intentionally. Here are some tactics that work for me—ones you can put into practice now to make this year feel a little more sane than the last.
1. Know what is (and isn’t) your job
IC pros wear many hats, but “orderer of gift baskets” isn’t one of them. When asked to step outside your core role, it’s okay to say, “No, that’s outside my purview.” Stretch assignments that help you grow? Absolutely. Admin tasks that derail priorities? Hard pass.
2. Set (and stick to) priorities
Work doesn’t love you back. IC is important, but sacrificing yourself on the altar of burnout doesn’t serve you or your team. Invest your time in what delivers results—professionally and personally.
3. Automate where you can
Do you handle repetitive tasks, like system outage notices? Partner with IT to automate them. I once built a template-triggered process that saved hours. Technology is your friend. Let it work for you.
4. Set clear agendas for meetings
Stop showing up to “HR Communication Discussion” with zero context. If there’s no agenda, ask for one—or consider declining. When you’re the organizer, return the favor: share clear objectives, topics, and prework. Respecting time is a two-way street.
5. Standardize recurring IC tasks
New hire announcements? Weekly newsletters? Rinse and repeat. Templates and stakeholder lists can turn recurring tasks from chaos to clockwork.
6. Document your processes
If a task requires 15 steps (and only happens annually), document it—with screenshots. Your future self (and whoever covers for you on vacation) will thank you.
7. Build an IC reference library
Round up your processes, templates, and past content into one organized spot. It’s a pain now but saves time—and your sanity—later.
8. Stop multitasking
Multitasking = switching between tasks. Focus on one thing at a time. Your productivity will thank you.
Bonus tip: Respect others’ time as much as you want yours respected. Meetings, messages, or quick asks—keep them clear and concise.
The bottom line? You can’t make more time, but you can make better choices with it. Start now, and see what a difference it makes—this year and beyond.
