Being productive depends upon many aspects, but it’s also about avoiding basic distractions which may otherwise derail your day. Whether you’re working in a mainstream office or at home, avoiding work-time distractions is vital.
So, how can you do that? It’s actually far more simple than you might think.
- Identify people who inspire you, and who are productive themselves - Identify these people and work with them or beside them
- Use milestones to tackle large tasks –A huge distraction is procrastination. We do this when a job is too large for us to focus on. You can get around that by breaking it up into bitesized chunks
- Use accessories which help you concentrate – Look into office screens and perhaps acoustic panels
- Set firm boundaries – If you have a particular chatty colleague, set boundaries with this person, simply by saying ‘I’m so sorry, but I really need to concentrate on this’. Failing that, look into moving towards a quieter space, perhaps head to the conference room - a comfortable leather boardroom chair could be just the ticket!
- Have regular breaks – It might seem counterproductive but regular breaks helps with concentration. Without breaks you would be distracted by everything!
- Remove your phone – These days we’re always connected, through messages, emails, social media, etc. Place your phone in your bag and don’t check your Facebook whilst working!
Ensuring your office is set up for flexible methods of working is vital. This means thinking about breakout areas, perhaps with mesh office chairs and a bright decor, quiet and collaborative zones, and allowing employees to manage their workload in the way they see fit.
Do you find yourself regularly distracted by the same thing?