Office Practice N4 | Techniques to manage working under pressure

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Question

Briefly explain the techniques to manage working under pressure.

Plan in Advance

Planning in advance is a powerful way to manage pressure before it even begins. When you take time to map out your day or week, you create a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and when. This reduces last-minute stress and allows you to stay focused, confident, and in control. A well-thought-out plan also leaves room for unexpected changes, which are easier to handle when you’re prepared.

Prioritise Important Tasks

Prioritising by doing the most important tasks first is essential for effective pressure management. Not all tasks carry the same weight, so focusing on high-impact duties helps you make meaningful progress early in the day. Completing critical tasks first boosts your confidence and reduces anxiety, making the rest of your workload feel more manageable.

Delegate Responsibility

Delegating tasks means sharing the workload and trusting others to help carry the responsibility. Trying to do everything yourself leads to burnout and unnecessary stress. By assigning appropriate tasks to colleagues, you free up your time to focus on what only you can do best. Delegation is not a sign of weakness—it’s a smart and professional approach to handling pressure.

Avoid Procrastination

Procrastination is one of the biggest contributors to working under pressure. When tasks are delayed, they pile up and lead to overwhelming deadlines. Tackling work as soon as possible keeps your workflow steady and reduces last-minute chaos. It’s far better to act now than to let anxiety build with unfinished tasks.

Use Time Productively

Managing time wisely means making every minute count. This involves cutting out distractions, staying organised, and focusing on the task at hand. Productive use of time allows you to accomplish more in less time, giving you breathing space even in high-pressure situations. When time is used effectively, pressure turns into productivity.

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