What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?
What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?
Time blocking and Protected time are two similar time management principles. Here are their definitions and how to use them.
Time Blocking
Time blocking is the act of dividing workdays into definite blocks of time, (not necessarily into hours) which are each dedicated to the achievement of a single task.
Time blocking makes use of the fact that the human mind works best when it is focused and concentrating all its energy onto a single task. This creates the conditions for high-quality thinking and effective action.
Whenever a mind has a split focus, ie it is distracted or attempting to do multiple things simultaneously, it must split its intellectual forces, which creates the conditions for more errors and wrong action.
Time blocking is a key time management tool, and can be used best in teams, where a small group of people block out a definite time which is 100% dedicated to solving a single question.
Time blocking is an important time management method.
Protected Time
Protected time is like time blocking, but with the added characteristic that it applies to an individual person.
Protected time is when a person dedicates a definite amount of time to a single task without any distractions or interruptions. Protected time is making use of the same psychological principle that the mind works best when it is 100% focused.
There are some tasks, such as writing, that are inherently individual, which best done in conditions where the person can concentrate.
Protected time denotes "goal focused, solitary time, without interruption or distraction".
It is an important time management principle.
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Definition: time blocking
Time blocking is a time management method used in business. It splits the work day into fixed blocks, each given to one task. You set the blocks in your diary before work starts and protect them from all other jobs or breaks. If a block allows more than one task or any interruption, it is not time blocking.
Show CG4D Definition
- Divides the work period into predetermined blocks of time
- Assigns exactly one priority task to each block
- Blocks are scheduled before the start of the day
- No other tasks or interruptions may occur during a block
Article Summary
Time blocking, and its close twin protected time, let you set clear blocks of your day for one task, shut out noise and turn scattered effort into quick, high-quality results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What does time blocking mean in daily work?
How is protected time different from time blocking?
Why does focusing on one task improve work quality?
How long should a typical time block last?
Can a team use time blocking together?
Which tasks benefit most from protected time?
What should I do if something interrupts a block?
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Did You Know: Key Statistics
Microsoft’s 2024 Work Trend Index shows the average knowledge worker now spends 60% of the work day on email or chat and only 40% on focused work. Asana’s 2024 State of Work report finds that teams who plan fixed focus blocks finish projects 26% faster than teams who do not.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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Further Reading in Time Management
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