Some freely available productivity and time management tools that can be used on web/desktop. This list is not yet meant to be comprehensive, rather focused on the tools the author found most useful. Thus the emphasis will be on plug and play resources that are easy to pick up and install.
- The free versions of these tools will typically be for individual use.
- Some will tend to emphasis task progress and completion more than scheduling
Pomodoro Tracker
The Pomodoro method breaks down work tasks into digestible facets. This website does not even require a login, and allows users to set up a to do list then set a timer for each event, with an emphasis on breaks in between.
Brain Focus Productivity Timer
Brain Focus Productivity Timer App
This simple app - installable from Google Play - utilizes the Pomodoro method and will help you time the length of your tasks on your smartphone.
https://www.udemy.com/course/time-management-change-your-life-overnight/
An hour long course designed to immerse users in time management strategies. Focusing on work life balance, and identifying the parts of the day when one is most or least productive. Unfortunately, the tool that the course refers to, Strats App (https://stratappsaas.com/), appears to no longer be available for individual download.
Energy Bus Field Guide
The energy bus process can assist with time management by focusing on energy vampires that prevent you from getting tasks done. This ebook can be accessed from the UMSV library by following the link above.
Monday.com
An online project team management tool that you may have seen ads for on the Subway. The free version is available for individuals or up to two users. Allows users to plan their day according to projects and tasks, and make notes with regards to completion status.
ToDoIst.com
A free account allows users to enter projects and divide by tasks, then break out into individual workdays. Useful for managing multiple facets of a project. Additional resources such as tutorials and articles are helpful. Allows users to identify projects and tasks by work specific and work/life balance attributes. The prompts to upgrade to the fee-based premium version do interfere with the experience to an extent. Is one of the only time free time management tools that allows for the creation of recurring events in the free version. (Though Google Calendar has a more intuitive version of this feature).
Asana
https://asana.com/create-account
To get the free version sign up for personal account (may also be called Basic). Is free for up to 10 users, so also good for small teams. Allows you to create projects and tasks. Can view due dates and progress using either list or calendar views.
RescueTime
A tool that tracks usage on your device to determine how much time is used on specific tasks, thus allowing for time to be reallocated.