Do time management interventions support wellbeing in the workplace? A systematic review
Anna Navin Young1, Zelda di Di Blasi1, Sarah Foley1
1School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
Abstract:
Although empirical evidence demonstrates the association between time management and wellbeing, it is unclear whether time management interventions (TMIs) effectively support wellbeing in the workplace. Given rising concerns over employee wellbeing and the prevalence of time challenges in the workplace, TMIs may play a critical role in wellbeing promotion. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of TMIs on workplace wellbeing, investigate the characteristics of these TMIs and evaluate the quality of these studies. Systematic searches of randomised controlled trials and quasi-experiments published on or before 10 August 2025 were conducted in seven databases. The search was conducted for TMIs delivered in a workplace context, measuring at least one wellbeing variable. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria (n = 442). A narrative synthesis reported on intervention content, delivery and effectiveness, revealing a limited and inconsistent evidence base to support TMI efficacy. Cochrane risk-of-bias tools were used, finding low quality across the studies. Findings call for more experimental evidence, with evaluation of a broader range of wellbeing variables needed. Drawing from the synthesised interventions, the process model of integrated time interventions is presented, providing theoretical advancements in the recognition of time interventions as wellbeing promoters. Finally, the review encourages higher quality intervention reporting practices to enhance the transparency and replicability of TMIs.
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