In 2018, professionals and teams actively sought reliable ways to save time amid growing workloads and digital distractions. This period highlighted practical methods to streamline communication, automate tasks, and protect focused worktime.
Use the overview below to quickly compare popular time saving tools and approaches that gained traction in 2018, focusing on impact, effort, and compatibility with existing workflows.
| Method | Estimated Setup Time | Ongoing Time Savings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Email Rules and Filters | 15–30 minutes | Low to moderate daily gains | Office workers with high email volume |
| Shared Task Lists | 30–60 minutes | Moderate project coordination gains | Project teams and managers |
| Keyboard Shortcuts Mastery | 2–4 hours of practice | High daily time savings | Frequent document and app users |
| Batch Processing Tasks | Minimal setup, requires planning | High deep work efficiency | Writers, analysts, developers |
| Calendar Time Blocking | 1–2 hours to design blocks | Significant focus improvements | Leaders and individual contributors |
Email Management Strategies in 2018
Email remained a primary channel in 2018, and inefficient handling cost teams hours each week. Applying filters, scheduled checks, and concise subject lines reduced unnecessary interruptions.
Workers who limited inbox sessions to two or three fixed times per day recovered uninterrupted focus for higher value tasks.
Task Automation and Workflow Tools
Adoption of simple automation tools accelerated in 2018, helping professionals eliminate repetitive steps in reporting, data entry, and notifications.
Even basic scripts and built-in integrations saved multiple minutes per repetition, which compounded into hours over a month.
Focus Techniques and Deep Work Practices
Deep work strategies gained attention as a way to protect uninterrupted time for complex problem solving in 2018. Techniques such as time blocking and clear daily priorities reduced context switching.
Teams that implemented quiet hours or focus zones often saw measurable gains in meaningful output without extending working hours.
Collaboration and Meeting Efficiency
Many organizations in 2018 tackled meeting bloat by introducing strict agendas, defined decision makers, and shorter default time slots.
Requiring clear objectives and timely notes reduced follow up work and ensured that collaborative time translated into concrete progress.
Key Takeaways for Saving Time in 2018
- Set up email filters and limit inbox checks to specific sessions.
- Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up document and navigation tasks.
- Automate repetitive steps with existing integrations or light scripts.
- Apply time blocking to protect deep work periods.
- Make meetings concise with clear agendas and actionable notes.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I save time with email in 2018 without missing important messages?
Use filters to sort newsletters and notifications into folders, schedule two or three fixed inbox sessions per day, and rely on flags for truly urgent items.
What are the quickest wins for saving time at work in 2018?
Master keyboard shortcuts, set up email rules, and batch similar tasks to reduce context switching and accelerate routine work.
Which automation tools were popular in 2018 for repetitive workflows?
Many teams used built-in integrations in platforms, simple scripting, and workflow apps to automate reporting, status updates, and notifications.
How can meetings be made shorter and more productive in 2018?
Implement strict agendas, assign a decision maker, set a clear time limit, and require concise notes to avoid lengthy follow ups.