5 Distractions Attack Productivity and Some Simple Remedies

Introduction

This article identifies which 5 distractions attack productivity at work every day. Unfortunately, distractions are common, and you find them in every aspect of your work lives. They range from text messages to emails and phone calls, to scheduled or pop-up meetings. All these unplanned interruptions can have a major impact on your productivity.

Years ago, my firm surveyed over two thousand workers across a dozen industries who identified distractions as the biggest money waste for their organization and the biggest impact to their productivity. That is why it is imperative you have a plan for keeping your workflow and productivity on track.

5 Distractions Attack Productivity

5 distractions attack productivity daily.  To help and encourage you, we review simple remedies for you to combat them:

  1. Email Blizzard
  2. Phone Interruptions
  3. Multitasking
  4. Too-Friendly Coworkers and Interrupting Associates
  5. Distractions from Personal Responsibilities
1.Email Blizzard or is it an Avalanche?

Yes, you probably receive a blizzard of emails. Many are unsought, if not outright spam. Yet, it is not just the constant barrage of emails coming in. it is also the unreasonable expectation that you should respond to those emails quickly on some other worker’s timetable.

Remedy

Try setting aside specific times during the day to check and respond to emails. You may also find it helpful to set boundaries with work-related emails, such as not responding after-hours or on the weekends.

2. Phone Interruptions

Phone distractions attack productivity at work

It takes a person’s mind an average of 23 minutes to get back on track after a distraction. And sadly, our phones ring every 12 minutes on average. So, it should not be a revelation that it is so difficult to remain focused!

Remedy

When you really need to focus on a project and give it your full attention, try silencing your phone and turning off unnecessary notifications. Just like with email, set specific times you will check your phone during the day. If you find yourself still tempted to check your phone during times when you must focus and concentrate, you may find it best to leave it in your locker or in your car, your coat or even in a completely different room if you work from home.

3. Multitasking

Multitasking distractions attack productivity on the job

Multitasking is also called task-switching. It has been recognized as one of the 5 distractions attack productivity. There is ample evidence multitasking significantly hinders productivity. This is usually a self-inflicted productivity wound. Not one brought about by others or outside events.

Remedy

Rather than trying to work on multiple things at once, the most productive workers focus on just one task at a time. If you have been a multitasker for a long time, you may find it challenging at first to work on just one thing. Introspection can be a notable way to retrain your brain to focus on the task at hand. Working from a prioritized list of tasks and taking short breaks throughout the day can also be effective ways to boost productivity.

4. Too-Friendly Coworkers and Interrupting Associates

Coworkers-interrupting-one-of-5-distractions-attack-productivity.

We all have coworkers in our workplace that unfortunately seem oblivious to the fact that we have our own agenda and tasks to accomplish. Whether it is a chatty coworker at the workplace or your over-friendly neighbor dropping by during the day when you work from home, they are one of the 5 distractions attack productivity.

Remedy

Setting boundaries will help you stay on track, avoid unnecessary distractions, and maintain your productivity. Be polite but firm, and if you want, offer an alternative time and/or place to get together.

5. Distractions from Personal Responsibilities

If you periodically or permanently work from home, it can be appealing to try and do personal tasks during your workday. This should be a No-No!

Why?

See #2 Phone Interruptions. Same applies here.

Working from home personal activities one of 5 distractions attack productivity

Remedy

It is best to set aside work hours for specifically focusing on work, and non-work hours for personal tasks. If you do choose to complete personal tasks during work hours, set aside blocks of time and use a timer to keep you focused and on-task. Avoid doing this too often however because it takes your mind time to regain focus after changing tasks and that time adds up!

Takeaway

we have outlined in this article common work interruptions like the 5 distractions attack productivity. They can be really disruptive to your work efforts and results. However, with some organization and mindfulness, you can overcome these interruptions and stay on task. Utilize the tips we have provided as follows to help you boost your productivity and avoid unnecessary distractions:

  • setting aside specific times for checking emails
  • allocate specific times responding to texts
  • focusing on one task at a time
  • taking breaks throughout the day
Flexicrew Support

Flexicrew has advised hundreds of HR recruiters and functional hiring managers on correct interviewing techniques and successful recruiting methods that lead to quality workers. That reduced the chance of their hiring easily distracted employees. Remember these 5 distractions attack productivity and you do not want to hire those who fall prey to them.

If you would like support in recruiting your next new hire, please contact one of our professional recruiters with many years’ experience in staffing. We will help you prevent your team from making a recruiting Oops or getting distracted themselves.

5 Benefits of Greater Productivity

Introduction

Benefits of greater productivity

There are many benefits of greater productivity at work. We often assume that being productive requires immense amounts of effort. But in reality, effective productivity should make your work life easier, not harder.

5 Benefits of Greater Productivity

Read on to learn more about how you can improve your job and your career and enjoy these 5 benefits of greater productivity:

    1. Accomplish More
    2. Make Fewer Mistakes
    3. Experience Less Stress
    4. More Opportunities Will be Available
    5. Relax More
  1. Accomplish More

Accomplish more with greater productivity

You can accomplish more when you are productive and put your most essential activities first. Three important productivity strategies for ensuring that you stay on track. They include putting all your tasks in your calendar, having a dedicated time block for each task (allowing you to keep work tasks separate), and avoiding multitasking.

The widely held belief that multitasking is a path to greater work productivity and completing more tasks in less time is a false idea. However, when multitasking, you actually divide your attention between several stimuli. Therefore, you cannot focus on your responsibilities. A better alternative is if you produce focused, meaningful effort on just one task at a time.

  1. Make Fewer Mistakes

Yes, one of the benefits of greater productivity is making fewer mistakes while working on a project. Nothing kills productivity faster than realizing you have made a mistake and need to rework the task or even start over completely. Instead of moving on to the next task on your list, you are still stuck working on the same thing. Possibly, you became distracted, lost focus, are stressed, or feeling tired. All these things make it more likely that you will make a mistake.

Productivity can help you get your tasks right on the first go ’round. Being productive requires keeping your time and tasks organized and prioritized, which in turn reduces the number of forgotten tasks, missed details, and avoidable mistakes.

  1. Experience Less Stress

Research highlights that most workers in this environment feel a significant amount of stress. And that can keep us from focusing, getting things accomplished, and improving our health. High stress levels can lead to low energy levels, because all your energy is being used up by your brain stressing out!

High stress drains workers, leading to low levels of energy. This occurs when your brain spends energy stressing about work. Stress can also make you more prone to illness, both physically and mentally.

Thankfully, one of the benefits of greater productivity is stress reduction. Being productive allows you to accomplish your tasks in the time allotted. That helps minimize stress.

  1. More Opportunities Will Be Available

Being productive means, you are better managing your time, which can open the door to new opportunities. If you do not have good control over your time, you may find that you are missing things that could help you improve your job performance and enhance your career growth. Focusing on productivity and planning not only gives you time to complete your must-do assignments, but time to accomplish the activities you want to do as well.

So, surprisingly, having additional opportunities is another of the benefits of greater productivity.

  1. Relax More

Spending countless consecutive hours working without breaks can seriously impact your mental health. Breaks give you time to recover and refresh after a period of lengthy, focused work. If you do not take breaks regularly, you will have a harder time focusing.

Productivity comes into play because it is a way to make time for yourself. Taking time for yourself and relaxing will help improve your overall wellbeing. And as a bonus, relaxation can help foster creativity and usher in a new perspective.

Working too many consecutive hours gives up benefits of greater productivity

Moving Forward to Gain the Benefits of Greater Productivity

Most personnel want to be more productive and achieve the most out of their time at work. However, to reach those objectives, we may have to start with an unexpected first step.  We often must alter our workspace in a manner that nurtures productivity.

Customize a workspace at home or in your workplace that your brain learns to link with productivity and concentration. Organize your workspace with all the tools you regularly use for work. That way you do not have to spend time looking for what you need. And finally, help eliminate distractions by putting your cell phone away, closing unnecessary browser tabs, or even putting up a Do Not Disturb sign near your workspace indicating you are working and should not be interrupted until you complete your task.

Start by determining your most productive hours during the day and schedule your most difficult tasks for them.

Conclusion

Being more productive can take time, especially when it comes to creating new work habits and setting boundaries. But as you have learned from the list above, the benefits of greater productivity are well worth it!

Benefits of highly productive worker

Looking for ways to achieve greater productivity?  You may be interested in our article, “5 Habits of Highly Productive Workers.” Or, “5 Enhanced Productivity Tools – Not What You Think.”

Flexicrew Support

Employers, if you need assistance finding individuals who possess greater productivity qualities, contact one of our recruitment professionals Today.

Employees, If you are a looking for the ideal employer who cares about diligent workers like you, give us a call. We may be able to direct you to a workplace that ideally fits and recognizes your strengths.

Highly Productive Workers 5 Habits

Introduction

Highly productive workers have three essential traits in common: they set goals, they are organized, and they stay focused. But highly productive workers exhibit 5 habits that you may not have considered.

highly productive workers

5 Habits of Highly Productive Workers

Keep reading to learn about five of the best habits to help you along your journey to improving productivity and becoming a high achiever.

Highly productive workers habits

Review these 5 habits of highly productive workers to see which ones you share at work and which you would do well to incorporate into your normal workflow:

  1. Stop Multitasking
  2. Employ the 80/20 Rule
  3. Practice a Morning Routine
  4. Embrace the Word ‘NO’
  5. Treat Failures as a Learning Experience
1. Stop  Multitasking

Highly productive workers avoid multitasking

Research has shown that multitasking impairs your performance. Contrary to what many workers believe, it does not get you more results – but less. On low-level at-home activities such as doing laundry while completing other household chores, you may multitask. That is okay, but you cannot multitask when it comes to your higher-level, big-picture workplace career objectives.

It may feel like you are accomplishing more. But switching between tasks disrupts your cognitive processing. The most productive individuals devote specific timeframes to a single project. That allows them to reach a deep level of mental focus and get the greatest possible results.

2. Employ the 80/20 Rule

The 80/20 rule is also known as the Pareto Principle. It states that eighty percent of your results come from just twenty percent of your actions.

Highly productive workers habits include 80/20 rule

To improve productivity in your job, you need to better understand which tasks or work processes deliver maximum results. With that knowledge, you can focus more time on the tasks that insistently move you towards your goals. Minimize or eliminate tasks that have little to no impact on your overall efficiency. Instead focus on the small number of tasks that will get you 80% of the results you desire, and your boss expects.

3, Practice a Morning Routine

morning routine for highly productive workers

Having a consistent morning routine primes you for success and improved productivity, not just mornings, but throughout the day. For example, starting your day with a nutritious breakfast, 20-30 minutes of exercise, and reading or writing out your goals for that day can all help boost your energy levels, increase your focus, and create a more positive mindset. An easy but effective morning routine will set the tone for the rest of the day and help you maintain motivation and to get things done all day long until your workday ends.

 4. Embrace the Word ‘No’

It can be tempting to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity; you never know what it might lead to. But overextending yourself can lead to exhaustion, burnout, and frustration. Plus, if you say ‘yes’ to things that do not help you reach your goals, you are also wasting valuable time and resources.

Productive workers do not feel uncomfortable saying ‘no.’ They know the value of their time and treat is like a precious resource (because it is!). To reach your goals, you must be deliberate with your time. We only get 1,440 minutes each day. Do not squander that time away without considering how it will impact your goals and your productivity.

5. Treat Failures as a Learning Experience

Finally, the most highly productive workers are not afraid to make mistakes. successful individuals pursue what they want without overthinking the consequences. And they view each failure is as an opportunity for growth. Taking chances is vital if you wish to become productive, efficient, and self-assured.

Highly productive workers learn from their mistakes and take measures to avoid making the same mistake in the future. The next time you find yourself feeling like you have failed, ask yourself: What can I learn from this? What can I improve? How can I carry out that work assignment better next time so I can feel accomplished and satisfied.

 Summing Up

The usual understanding of productivity is having the ability to complete a large amount in a brief period. While this is true, it is not comprehensive. True productivity entails the capacity to generate high-impact outcomes quickly. This is the type of productivity that matters, not busy work that has no long-term impact. Adding these 5 habits of highly productive workers to your daily routine will enable you to do just that.

Flexicrew Support

If you need assistance finding individuals who possess these productivity qualities, contact one of our recruitment professionals Today.