How Time Batching Boosts Your Productivity

For small business owners, it seems like there’s never enough time to get everything done. One tool that will help you get the most out of your time is time batching, also called time blocking. 


If you haven’t heard of this concept before, it can revolutionize the way you approach work. 

What is Time Batching?

Time batching is the process of grouping similar tasks together on your calendar to gain economies of scale. Almost every task can be batched: answering emails, running errands, customer calls or appointments, responding to employee questions, and even meetings. 


Here are a couple of examples. Instead of running separate errands on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, why not run all errands on Wednesday in one trip? Instead of answering emails throughout the day, plan to answer them for 30 minutes at 8AM, 1PM, and 4:30 PM. Instead of having appointments scattered throughout the week, schedule them back-to-back on Monday. 


The beauty of time batching is that your brain will be less exhausted at the end of the day. Interruptions are minimized and you’ll have fewer ‘switching costs.’ Switching cost is the time it takes your brain to switch from one task to the next. Changing gears too frequently strains the brain. Time batching helps your brain to get into and stay in “flow,” allowing you to get more work accomplished in less time. 

Business and Personal Use

You don’t have to restrict time batching to your work life. You are likely already practicing time batching at home and don’t know it. When you prepare the week’s meals on Sunday or wash several loads of laundry in a row, you are practicing a form of time batching. 


While some things can’t be batched—like walking the dog—the vast majority of tasks can. You just need to be open to the possibilities. 

The Payoff

The largest payoff with time batching comes when you can reduce your most common interruptions. For example, could you encourage your team to write down questions throughout the day and present them at the end of the day? 


Emails and texts are constant interruptions for many. The first thing you can do is turn off your email and text notifications so you’re not interrupted every time a message comes in. Then decide how often during the day you want to check for new items. Aim for three or fewer times if your job allows it. 


Phone calls can be another interruption. When possible, encourage callers to schedule a time to call you or let them know email is more efficient. 

Getting It All Done

Time batching is something you can practice for years and still get better at. Try implementing one piece of time batching at a time so you don’t overwhelm yourself with change. Look intentionally for more items to batch every few months, no matter how long you’ve been practicing.


Time batching will not only give you more time in your personal life, but you’ll also be less drained and more energized at the end of the day. Try it and see what you think! 

Our Latest Insight

Chart of Accounts for a Contracting Business

By Alisa McCabe • August 17, 2026
Between tracking fluctuating material costs, managing subcontractor fees, and juggling multiple active jobs, contractors face a unique set of financial complexities. At the heart of keeping these moving parts organized is the Chart of Accounts (COA), the foundational index of every financial transaction your business makes. For a contracting business, a well-structured COA does far more than just keep the tax preparer happy. It serves as the backbone for accurate job costing, allowing you to see exactly which projects are driving profits and which ones are eating into your margins.  This article will guide you through the essentials of building a specialized Chart of Accounts tailored specifically for contractors, highlighting the unique categories you need to track, and sharing best practices to streamline your bookkeeping and elevate your business insights.

What Is Fractional Accounting? (And How It Can Help Your Business)

By Alisa McCabe • August 11, 2026
Fractional accounting gives your business a bookkeeper and controller for a flat monthly fee. Below you will find what it covers, what it costs, and how to know if it fits.

Progress Billing vs. The Completed Contract Method

By Alisa McCabe • August 3, 2026
In the contracting world, where projects can span months or even years, managing cash flow and financial reporting is a unique challenge. Unlike traditional businesses that recognize revenue at the point of sale, contractors must choose how and when to account for their income and expenses. Two of the most common frameworks used to navigate this are Progress Billing (often paired with the Percentage of Completion Method ) and the Completed Contract Method (CCM). Progress Billing allows contractors to invoice clients and recognize revenue incrementally as milestones are met throughout the project. Completed Contract Method defers all revenue and expense recognition until the entire project is officially finished.  Selecting the right method goes far beyond basic bookkeeping; it fundamentally shapes your tax obligations, cash flow health, and how creditworthy your business appears to lenders and investors. This article breaks down the core differences between these two methods, explores their pros and cons, and helps you determine which strategy is the best fit for your business.

CONTACT US

Contact Us