Distractions are part and parcel of the modern open plan office. Whilst some people are busy focusing and concentrating on reports and statistics, others might be collaborating and brainstorming on a new project. Of course, there may also be the one person in the office who is simply gossiping and getting on everyone’s productivity nerves - there is always one!
Despite all of that, learning how to side-step distractions will ensure that you get your work done for the day and you avoid rising stress levels to boot. This isn’t always easy, and it sometimes means removing yourself from the situation and going to work in a quieter area, but focusing on the task at hand and knowing what you need to do, be it moving to other office furniture or simply telling someone you need to concentrate, will see you through to task completion.
To help you solve your concentration issues, here are 5 successful hacks to banish distractions and tick everything off your to do list for the day.
Cut Yourself Off For a Short Time
Cutting yourself off from the rest of the office is sometimes a necessary thing to do. This doesn’t mean you need to leave the office, which is particularly useful if you need to use a desktop computer or other static piece of equipment, but it can mean making use of things like office screens. These give a physical barrier between you and everyone else, signalling that you are concentrating.
With that in mind, people are more likely to leave you alone for that short space of time, and you can concentrate far better as a result.
If screens aren’t doing the job, how about using meeting booths to give yourself a metaphorical shield from the rest of the space. This gives you privacy and peace and quiet to get your task done.
Discomfort Can be a Distraction
Being uncomfortable with your office desk design can be a distraction in itself. How can you be focused if you’re constantly thinking about how your back is aching or your wrists are sore? Maybe you’re too hot or not comfortable in your chair, and in that case how about a mesh office chair, which allows air to circulate around you?
Making yourself as comfortable as possible will allow you to focus far easier, without discomfort distractions.
Identify Your Most Productive Time
Everyone has a space of time within the day when they are more productive than other times. Identify yours and you will be able to whizz through some of there difficult tasks on your list, and side-step any lack of focus distractions, due to procrastination.
Again, not all distractions are due to noise or people, it can be down to the way you’re feeling.
Politely Tell Those Around You
If there are some colleagues around you being particularly noisy for no reason, then it’s entirely acceptable to politely explain that you really need to concentrate, asking them to speak just a little bit quieter. You’re not being bossy or rude, you’re simply explaining your need to focus.
Take Yourself Away From The Office
If all else fails and your concentration is at an all time low, you can remove distractions by going to work somewhere else for a short time. If your office is agile, e.g. there are zones, you can move to another section to do your work. If you are in a hot desking situation, you could move desks to a quieter area. If none of these fit your description, then you may be able to go and work in a meeting room, a breakout space with modular office furniture, or even work from home if your employer allows you to do so.
These 5 distraction hacks are easy to do and will certainly allow you to concentrate far better than if you tried to work through the chaos. Whilst not all of them will be possible for you, e.g. working from home, there are many options available to you in order to really knuckle down and focus on the task at hand.