Productivity allows us to make progress on and complete necessary tasks. However, due to time constraints, competing responsibilities, stressors, and personal tendencies such as procrastination, we often are not as productive as we would like to be. To enhance productivity skills within the local community and assist individuals in learning strategies to maximize their time and output, especially in the workplace, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service developed the Time Well Spent: Productivity Skills for Success program. 

Because employee productivity ultimately strengthens both individual workplaces and the economic viability of communities at large, the Grayson County Extension Service partnered with the Chamber of Commerce, Breck Grayson Headstart, and Regional Family and Youth Resource Professionals, to offer Time Well Spent: Productivity Skills for Success. This program was also utilized with the Area Extension Homemakers, translating the benefits and actions of productivity from the workplace to the home. 

The program consisted of four individual lessons delivering objective-based learning through interactive learning activities, including Productivity vs. Procrastination, Organizing Your Time and Workspace, Establishing Priorities and Building Focus, and Work-Life Balance. During the 2023-2024 program year, 344 participants each received four hours of direct, hands-on education. Participants were surveyed following the classes.  

Statistically significant increases in knowledge were reported on all knowledge areas measured, including but not limited to: strategies to combat procrastination, ways to simplify and maximize time, ways to improve focus and manage tasks, and prioritizing roles and responsibilities. Additionally, 100 percent planned to use techniques learned to enhance productivity, 98.5 percent planned to create personal productivity routines, and 100 percent planned to schedule time to work with minimal interruptions.  

The words of the participants, however, often speak to the success of a program. When asked what the most significant thing learned during the program, many provided great feedback. See some of the responses below: 

-    Different ways to cope with procrastination. 

-    The most significant thing that I learned and will apply is to tackle my biggest task first. I will also try to determine the root of my procrastination so I can prevent it from getting worse. 

-    Understanding and recognizing productive procrastination…

-    Decluttering and simplifying things

-    Prioritizing myself/Self-care

-    Breaking big tasks down into smaller ones can make them feel more manageable.