Time blocking in the new Outlook (on the web)

Anand Vijayaragavan
2 min readDec 17, 2023

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The new Outlook is similar if not the same as Outlook on the web. About three years ago, I made the grand switch to Outlook on the web. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, it made time blocking my emails and tasks as easy as pie. And who doesn’t like pie?

Time Blocking: Not Just a Fancy Term

Time blocking is a time management technique where you allocate a fixed time to a planned activity. In time blocking, time periods are called “time blocks”, and usually dictate a start and end time for an activity, a shorter time window you can mark on your calendar. Each time block is meant to help inspire you to follow your schedule and finish your work on time.

The sidebar integration of the Calendar and Tasks

With the new Outlook, time blocking has never been easier with its seamless integration with Planner and To Do. They’re like the dynamic duo of time management. You can easily drag and drop tasks from Planner and To Do to the calendar, creating time blocks for each task effortlessly. It’s like having your very own task manager and calendar in perfect sync.

Picture this: You’re going through your emails, and you come across an important message that requires your attention. Instead of letting it get lost in the sea of unread emails, you can simply drag and drop it to the Calendar on the side pane. Boom! You’ve just created a time block for that email, transforming it into a scheduled event. It’s like giving that email a VIP pass to your calendar.

But what about tasks? We’ve all been there — drowning in a sea of to-dos. But with Outlook’s magic touch, tasks find their place. Drag and drop them from the side pane to the calendar and watch as each task gets its own special time slot. It’s like a Tetris masterclass, but for your to-do list.

So, if you’re ready to take control of your time and boost your productivity, give time blocking a try with the new Outlook. Embrace the power of the Calendar and Tasks side pane and watch as your day falls into place like the pieces of a well-crafted puzzle. With the new Outlook, time blocking is a superpower, and the new Outlook helps you conquer your day with confidence and ease.

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Anand Vijayaragavan

Power Platform Specialist, IT professional. Talks Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, AI, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Photography