Each day we work toward completing a specific number of tasks to feel efficient at work. When we don’t get these things accomplished, we feel stressed out and unproductive.
Distractions are the number one problem we face in productivity, not just in the office but just getting things done in general. Emails, phone calls, multitasking, working too many hours, and not having the ability to say no all contribute to our distractions and reduce how effective we are at completing our work each day.
Related: Multitasking: The Illusion of Getting More Done
These three strategies will ensure your productivity stays at its highest and distractions at their lowest.
Stay Organized
One of the biggest time drains when working on a project or completing a task is trying to locate what you need when you need it. Keep your filing up to date, your phone log nearby, use a calendar, have a goal setting to-do list, and your desk clutter free will all help decrease distractions and increase productivity. If your desk and office area are considered a disaster zone, it can cause a significant amount of distraction and time away from your work to find what you need.
Though an organized desk can help you locate that critical piece of paper, there have been studies that have shown a messy desk can spark creativity. So, if you need creativity to complete your project, go ahead and let chaos rein, at least for a little while!
Related: 6 Reasons Your Office Is In Chaos
Take Care of Yourself
We all know getting a good night’s rest is important, but did you know getting 6.5 – 8 hours of sleep each night will also help you stay focused during the day? When your brain has time to recharge overnight, you not only increase your focus and ability to learn new information, but you also are less likely to be irritated by your gossiping cubicle neighbor.
An interesting fact: Though people who sleep 4 – 6 hours a night believe they can perform as though they got enough sleep the night before, their brains cannot as effectively process information and they are not even aware when their performance declines.
Taking care of yourself also includes exercise and eating the right foods. I know how difficult it is to eat right and exercise every day, so I follow an 80-20 rule. How I apply the 80-20 rule is 80% of the time I exercise and eat healthy and the remaining 20%, well, let’s just say couch potato and chocolate. 🙂
Keeping yourself healthy and fit not only relieves and manages stress, but also keeps energy levels high, prevents depression, and helps us get a better night’s sleep. When feeling good physically, we are able to work better mentally.
Related: Why We All Need Self Management (It’s Not What You Think!)
The Importance of Your Work Environment
As each day goes by, we sometimes sit in the same location for hours at a time. Being aware of how our environment plays a critical factor in productivity can make a big difference in distractions.
Work Location
Be aware of your immediate work location. Working in a location where you are not able to close a door to shut out distractions can allow voices to distract you, allows colleagues to stop by to chat, and when noisy co-workers are carrying on in the next cubicle, not give you the quiet you need to focus on the task at hand.
To score some alone time to work without distractions, look for an unused meeting room or office with a door. The quiet space will allow you to work effectively and efficiently, quickening your pace and allowing you to stay focused.
Related: How Did Remote Workers Become the Best Employees?
Temperature
When working in an office space, also consider the temperature. Most offices are kept within a wide range of temperatures from 68 to 77 degrees. When an office is kept too cool for your comfort you are distracted by rubbing your hands together, moving around or otherwise trying to keep yourself warm. On the other hand, an office that you consider sweltering hot makes it hard to work when you are constantly fanning yourself with your paperwork.
Though 68 degrees sounds pretty good, a Cornell study showed at 68 degrees there were 25% more typing errors made than when the temperature was set at 77 degrees. When the temperature was increased to 77 degrees, typing errors decreased to 10%. Working in a colder office sacrificed concentration and productivity due to trying to keep warm.
If you are not able to control the temperature in your office and you are freezing, try wearing layers of clothing instead of one bulky sweater. The layers will help insulate you. Try a warm cup of tea or coffee or ask for a space heater.
If on the other hand, the person in control of the thermostat loves the office toasty warm and you don’t, again dress in layers so you can take off the layers as you warm up. You can also ask to use a fan at your desk.
It is important to remember distractions will decrease and your productivity will increase if you are warmer versus cooler, so strive to stay warm.
Desk Configuration
Think about your chair and desk configuration since this is where you will spend the majority of your day. Is your chair comfortable? Is your computer desk and keyboard set up so you are not experiencing back or wrist strain? Try to keep your hands, wrists, and forearms straight and parallel to the floor when seated. Consider a standing desk or using an alternative chair to reduce the harmful effects of sitting most of your work day.
Using these three suggestions to reduce distractions can make a real difference in your productivity. Begin with working on these strategies and see if your distractions decrease.
What are your strategies to stay focused, productive, and distraction free during the day?
Hi, I’m Karen. Welcome to my website! I will show you how to establish the framework for an organized and successful leadership and office management system.
