What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?

Important: GDPR Email Preferences

As you may already know, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will be coming into effect on 25th May 2018. We take your privacy seriously and we are working hard to ensure we comply with the new data protection laws. You can find out more about how we're doing this in our privacy policy on our website.

We want to make sure you continue to receive the latest newsletters, blogs, special offers and more.

As someone who has opted-in to receive our emails in the past, we’d like to give you this opportunity to confirm what you wish to receive:

Just so you know, if you don’t let us know what kinds of emails you want to receive from us, we’ll stop emailing you on the 24th May 2018 - you'll be missing out!

You are of course free to change your mind at any time – just follow the link at the bottom of any of our emails.

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.

Time Management Training

Our Time Management Training covers all aspects of managing your time effectively and is available both as a live online course, as well as face to face.

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.

Blogs by Email

Do you want to receive an email whenever we post a new blog? The blogs contain article 5-10 minutes long - ideal for reading during your coffee break!

Further Reading in Time Management

• What is Time Blocking and Protected Time?
  The principle of time blocking will give you more control over your day and allow you to focus on the tasks to be done. Protect your time, improve your focus and deter procrastination, that way you will accomplish more in your day.
  Read Article >
• Time Management Apps to Enhance Productivity
  Everyone wants to make maximum progress with the least amount of time and effort. We have created the best time management apps to help you prioritise, set goals and make decisions. These apps are FREE and will help enhance your productivity.
  Read Article >
• What is the Action Priority Matrix?
  Prioritise your work using the Action Priority Matrix method and instead of filling your day with trivial tasks, you will accomplish more of the work that really matters.
  Read Article >
• Time Management Skills: Planning Ahead
  Planning ahead is the best way to improve your time management skills. Planning ahead is the best way to maximise your personal effectiveness. Planning ahead will allow you to make more progress, in less time and effort.
  Read Article >
• Why are some meetings a waste of time?
  Do you feel meetings are a waste of time? Here are some tips to help you decide whether a meeting should be held and an app to help you calculate the approximate cost of the meeting.
  Read Article >

Looking for Time Management Training?

If you're looking to develop your Time Management Skills, you may find this Time Management Training Course beneficial:

Open Training Course Pricing and Availability

Next Open Course Starts in 6 days, Online - Teams, places available Book Now >