There’s no denying that distractions are everywhere at work. From the periodic water-cooler chat to the never-ending stream of emails, it can be hard to stay focused on the task at hand.
But while it may seem like there’s nothing you can do to escape distractions, there are actually a few simple strategies you can use to minimise their impact on your productivity.
Ways to minimise distractions at work
By taking these simple steps, you can lessen distractions and stay focused, get more done in less time, reduce your stress levels, and gain the respect of your peers and line management.
- Find a quiet place to work
When you’re trying to focus on a task, it can be frustrating to be constantly interrupted by things like noise, movement or bright lights. If you have the opportunity, try to find a quiet place to work where you won’t be distracted by these things.
It doesn’t have to be totally silent – soft background noise can actually help some people focus – but it should be free of any sharp noises or movements that would catch your eye.
- Turn off your email notifications
If you’re constantly getting pinged with new messages, it’s going to be tough to stay focused on what you’re working on. So take some time to turn off those notifications. You can always check your email a few times throughout the day.
- Put away your phone
Doom-scrolling social media or WhatsApp messages can be a huge distraction, so try to keep your phone out of sight and out of mind while you’re working. If you can, put your phone in another room, or at least turn it off and put it away. If you need it for work, set it to silent and put it face down so you’re not tempted to check it every five minutes.
- Take breaks
It may seem paradoxical, but taking pauses while working might really help you concentrate better. Every hour or so, take a break from your job for a few minutes to give your mind a break.
- Set limits on distractions
If you know that you have trouble staying away from certain distractions (like social media), set limits for yourself ahead of time. For example, allow yourself to check your personal device for 5 minutes every hour.