How to free yourself from a distracting workplace

By Jaye T. Darden

Think of your job for ten seconds. Now, think of the distractions at your job. How many did you come up with? Now, think of how many distractions you had while trying to think of the previous list. The number of distractions is almost infinite and it continually seems as though we cannot get rid of them. However, if there’s a will, there is a way. And we’ve got your way.

Say goodbye to technology during designated hours
Cell phones, iPods, internet, email, text messaging, and more are all entities that make your working life both easier and a living hell. Is there anything more distracting than a phone ringing, a text message coming in or a quick peek at Facebook? Didn’t think so.

How can we stop technology from distracting us? Turn the cellphones, emails, text messaging, and any other technological device, that strictly is not benefiting your progression of tasks, off. If you work at a computer, then stay off the internet. If you work in an environment that allows for cellphone use turn it off and put it away. There are certain circumstances that allow the cellphones to be on in case of an emergency, but you know when to turn it off.

Organize your workspace and your workflow
Organize your work environment. Do not let your desk, cubicle, or work area become cluttered. A clean area will increase your overall productivity. Picture this, your desk is messy from lunch or a project and you have another waiting in the wings. You want to begin working on your new tasks but your desk looks like a hurricane just passed by. You will feel bogged down and inattentive to the important work that needs to get done.

Being organized will also quicken the time it takes to do certain tasks that require particular items to accomplish them. If you need a pen, ruler, calculator, or anything really you will need to know where everything is. Finding an item quickly will eliminate down time when doing certain tasks throughout the day.

Eat and sleep
If you are hungry then you’re less likely to think about work when you truly want food. If you are tired then you will obviously think about sleeping in a nice warm bed instead of working on the new reports that just came in. Your mood will be affected by this as well.

Be sure to eat a good breakfast and take a break for lunch. This will help you to boost your productivity and focus, since you’ll have less distracting you by way of stomach growls.

Tags: distracting workplace, organize workplace