Time Management Training and Perceived Control of Time at Work

TLDR

The study examined the effects of a psychologically grounded time‑management training program on employees’ perceived control of time, perceived stress, and work performance. Seventy‑one employees were randomly assigned to a training group or a waiting‑list control group, and the authors evaluated the use and perceived usefulness of the taught techniques. Training increased perceived control of time and decreased perceived stress, had no effect on performance indicators, and participants rated the techniques useful although actual use varied widely.

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of time management training, which was based on psychological theory and research, on perceived control of time, perceived stress, and performance at work. The authors randomly assigned 71 employees to a training group (n = 35) or a waiting-list control group (n = 36). As hypothesized, time management training led to an increase in perceived control of time and a decrease in perceived stress. Time management training had no impact on different performance indicators. In particular, the authors explored the use and the perceived usefulness of the techniques taught. Participants judged the taught techniques as useful, but there were large differences concerning the actual use of the various techniques.