Tips for Beating Distractions in the Workplace

Is it getting harder to focus at work? Computer notifications, phone alerts and our growing habit of responding in real time to any communication makes concentrating nearly impossible.

How can you cope?

• Focus time – schedule it daily. Don’t respond to emails, let your calls go to voicemail and shut your door.

• No more “got a minute?” meetings – managers should schedule office hours to process questions, approve work.

• Recharge! – consider a short, non-desk-side lunch. End the day with a personal system shut-down to be all-in next morning at the office.

Finally, model good behavior. Productivity will improve!

– Margrette Mondillo, The Boston 100