For busy professionals and families alike, scheduling is paramount. Calendars can help keep you organized and on track towards reaching your objectives – but which one is best suited to you and your company or business’ needs?
According to research from Columbia Business School and Drexel University, paper calendars are more efficient at planning than mobile ones. This could be because people using paper calendars tend to create better plans and finish them on time, but read on to learn more about what will work for you.
Paper Schedules
Despite technological advancements and the proliferation of scheduling software, many businesses still rely on paper schedules to plan their staff members’ work. While this system can be highly effective, it also has some drawbacks. Paper schedules have the major drawback of being difficult and time-consuming to manage. It can be a tedious task to keep track of employee shifts, as well as remember whether or not employees have requested time off. Communicating upcoming schedule changes with employees can prove challenging.
Another issue with paper schedules is their difficulty in distribution to employees, leading to scheduling confusion and miscommunication between staff and managers.
One solution to this issue is online scheduling tools that make it simple for employees to access their schedules and submit requests. In addition to making it simpler for staff members to request time off, these systems can also be utilized for scheduling meetings and rescheduling appointments.
Companies with multiple locations or who need to share schedule information between departments can benefit from using these programs. They provide reporting capabilities, allowing users to compile data from multiple schedule sheets and generate customized reports according to their requirements.
Alternatively, scheduling software (https://www.softwareadvice.com/scheduling/) can be integrated with Dropbox so employees can download their schedules from the cloud, saving time on file distribution. This is particularly beneficial for companies with a high number of remote workers. Another solution is using a digital planner, which lets you create your custom daily schedule and manage all tasks, meetings, and personal commitments in one location. This saves time and effort while helping you focus on what matters most in life.
Digital planners allow you to keep track of your time spent and ensure that important tasks don’t get neglected. This is particularly helpful for freelancers who wish to track their hours per project. For freelance designers working on major projects, a digital planner can be invaluable in helping you manage their time effectively and stay ahead of important deadlines. This is an effective way to guarantee projects are delivered on schedule.
Though these digital options may be pricier than paper alternatives, they do provide some distinct advantages. For instance, if you plan to take a lot of trips, your digital planner can automatically add or block off that time off for you. Digital planners give you an insightful view of your time usage across meetings, task work, and other commitments through analytics. This allows for deprioritizing some obligations and prioritizing those which matter most for your business.
Paper schedules can be a useful option for some businesses; however they should be avoided whenever possible. This is because they take up too much time and lead to scheduling confusion.
Wall Calendars
When it comes to scheduling, there are plenty of wall-oriented options. Depending on your personal style, you may prefer one type of calendar over another. While digital options provide convenience and a more flexible presentation, wall calendars add a personal touch while helping keep you organized.
Wall calendars are an excellent way to remember important dates in your life, like birthdays and school holidays. They come in various styles and can easily be personalized with pictures or imagery. Some even provide space for writing notes so you can keep track of appointments without having to look at your phone or tablet.
This type of calendar is ideal for teams or groups that need to share information and ensure everyone is on the same page. You can even purchase a large version so multiple people can access and utilize the calendar at once. For a more classic calendar, opt for a wall planner with an organized monthly view. Thankfully there are literally hundreds of styles from Calendar Company that are sure to fit what you need. It’s an ideal option for those without digital devices or who desire a simple device they can carry with them when traveling.
These planners offer several advantages over flipbook paper calendars that don’t provide much room for notes or planning. Generally, they’re made of durable materials and easy to maintain.
They can also be mounted on the wall, giving you constant visual access. Perfect for kitchens, living rooms and offices alike!
The great thing about these planners is that there’s no need to download anything onto your smartphone; they are a physical asset that already exists, allowing you to manage your schedule as soon as you’re ready to do so. Digital wall calendars even send out reminders via email or on your phone, so you won’t miss a thing. You can set up automatic reminders for when you pick up kids from school or take them on field trips, too, so there’s no excuse!
No matter if you use a traditional paper or digital calendar, it’s essential that all members of your family are on the same page. By keeping everyone’s schedule up-to-date, everyone can maximize their day.
A wall calendar is an invaluable tool for staying organized, noting important dates and occasions, as well as displaying the names and faces of those you cherish. If you’re in search of a personalized version, uploading your favorite family photos and arranging them however you please can create one right away!
For something a little more playful, consider investing in a calendar with scratch-offs on each month. These are an excellent way to encourage yourself to do at least one meaningful act of kindness each month.
Wall and digital calendars are both great for staying organized, but finding the ideal option that meets both your functional and aesthetic needs can make a major difference in how smoothly your life flows. When selecting which option to go with, consider finding that perfect balance of features and aesthetic appeal.
Also read: How Employee Scheduling Software Can Increase Productivity
