Avoiding Distractions in the Workplace

Workplace distractions can be a significant factor in lost productivity. Here are some tips to help you avoid them and put your best foot forward. If you want to make a great impression or change the course of your career, these tips are for you.

Eliminate Outside Noise

One of the most distracting elements is noise. Do what you can to get rid of the extra background noise. Find a quiet place to work, and replace outside noise with something productive, like music or a podcast, to help you focus.

Organize Your Workplace for Peak Productivity

Your office environment can affect how productive you are. Working in a disorganized space often leads to wasting time looking for the items you need to complete a task. If you have a place for everything, you can improve your efficiency.

Use a Calender System

Don't let tasks fall through the cracks. Use the calendar to keep up with what you need to accomplish each day. There are dozens of task tracking apps or online calendars to use. You can keep a paper calendar to have a tangible reminder of completed tasks.

Know When to Say No

Sometimes distractions come in the form of tasks that you weren't expecting. You can't say no to some things, but there are other tasks you can politely decline. Be aware of when it's not necessary to agree to something and avoid putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.

Use Meetings Correctly

Meetings can be distractions when they happen too often and aren't always productive. You can also schedule your meetings efficiently and avoid meetings you don't necessarily need to attend. You can discuss which meetings are most important with your manager and why skipping some will allow you to be more productive.