5 Time Management Hacks for Managers
September 23, 2024
Managing time effectively is one of the greatest challenges for managers, especially those overseeing multiple locations or teams. Between juggling tasks, overseeing employees, and meeting goals, time management can feel overwhelming. However, with the right technology (like Woven), managers can not only regain control of their schedules but also streamline processes & improve overall efficiency.
Here are our top time management hacks for managers after years of working with multi-location owners and managers:
1. Automate Repetitive Tasks
Automation is a game-changer for managers looking to reduce the time spent on routine “administrivial” tasks. From scheduling meetings to sending reminders, automating these functions helps save significant time each day. With Woven’s task management and automation features, managers can set up recurring tasks, assign responsibilities, and receive real-time updates—ensuring no detail falls through the cracks.
For example, Sun Tan City found that adopting Woven saved them more than $219,000 annually across their 92 corporate-operated locations. This time saved allowed managers to focus more on their teams and less on routine tasks.
2. Centralize Communication
One of the biggest time-wasters for managers is scattered communication. Switching between emails, chats, and calls can quickly eat into your productivity. A centralized communication platform, like Woven, integrates all channels into one, making it easy to track conversations, assign tasks, and keep everyone on the same page. This saves time and reduces the risk of miscommunication.
As Susie Butler, Senior Vice President of Operations at Sun Tan City, said, “We love Woven because it really is a one-stop shop for our staff and managers… communication is easier, and the ability to look at performance trends has been a nice addition.”
3. Optimize Scheduling
Shift scheduling can be one of the most tedious parts of a manager’s role, especially when dealing with multiple locations or teams. Using a scheduling tool that integrates with your other management systems is crucial for efficiency. Woven’s integrated shift scheduling system allows managers to coordinate across locations, accept time off requests, fill open shifts, and ensure that resources are allocated properly. This not only saves time but also ensures smoother operations across the board.
Sun Tan City was able to streamline operations across 92 locations by using Woven, saving managers an average of 2 hours per week.
4. Leverage Analytics for Better Decision-Making
Data-driven decisions help managers focus on what really matters, cutting down on guesswork and trial and error. Woven’s advanced analytics and reporting tools provide valuable insights into team performance, task completion, and operational bottlenecks. By using these insights, managers can make informed decisions quickly, ensuring that time is spent on high-priority tasks that drive results.
“Woven’s audit functionality is a wonderful tool to help us improve customer service,” said Butler, referring to how the company used analytics to enhance operations at their salons.
5. Integrate Tools to Minimize Switching
Having too many tools can lead to wasted time as managers switch between platforms to handle different tasks. Woven integrates essential management tools in one platform—saving time and reducing the need for constant toggling between systems. With everything from employee scheduling to task management in one place, your workflow becomes much more streamlined.
For companies like Sun Tan City, Woven’s ability to combine multiple administrative programs into a single platform reduced fragmentation, allowing employees to focus more on customer service and less on switching between systems.
Effective time management for managers hinges on leveraging the right technology to automate, streamline, and prioritize. Woven offers a suite of tools designed specifically to help multi-unit managers regain control of their time and focus on what matters most—growing their business and leading their teams to success.
By adopting these time management hacks and utilizing technology like Woven, managers can boost their productivity, reduce stress, and ensure smoother day-to-day operations.
