Tijddruk

Tijddruk, also spelled tijddruk in some sources, is a Dutch term referring to the pressure or sense of urgency created by limited time to complete tasks. It describes both objective time constraint (deadlines, schedules) and the subjective feeling of having too little time to finish work to a desired standard. The term is used across disciplines such as psychology, management, education, and journalism to discuss how time pressure affects performance and well-being.

The concept encompasses causes, manifestations, and outcomes. Common causes include tight deadlines, high workload, interruptions, and the need to multitask. Under tijddruk, people may experience heightened arousal and stress, faster decision-making, and a focus on speed over accuracy. Depending on task complexity, time pressure can either impair performance or, for simple tasks, sometimes improve speed without a large loss in quality. It can also reduce cognitive flexibility and increase the likelihood of errors or omissions.

Measurement and research on tijddruk often manipulate available time or assess perceived time pressure through self-report scales. In organizational contexts, it is studied as a factor influencing job satisfaction, burnout risk, and productivity. Coping strategies include realistic deadline setting, prioritization and planning, time management training, reducing interruptions, and buffering times in schedules. Some workplaces adopt agile or flexible methodologies to mitigate excessive tijddruk and promote better decision quality and well-being.

In summary, tijddruk describes the experience and effects of limited time, with implications for performance, stress, and strategies to manage time more effectively.