A study by Cornerstone OnDemand found that more than 60% of workers believed that the overload of things to do is actually making them less productive. Knowing that you have to tackle a mountain of work can be intimidating and stress-inducing. On top of all that, you have to deal with productivity killers in the office.
On the bright side, there are ways to deal with these mojo busters. Let’s take a look at how you can overcome some of the most common workday productivity killers!
The Problem: Noisy co-workers
Each one of us has our own way of working at optimum level. While some flourish with background noise, many prefer to work in peace and quiet. But when you share a space with other people, it can be a challenge to get anything done.
The Solution: Find a quiet spot
Most offices have quiet nooks and vacant conference rooms where you can pop in and work. If you don’t have the luxury of space, put on noise-cancelling headphones to drown out the distracting sound. This way you’ll have your own peace and quiet in the middle of a noisy spot.
The Problem: Co-worker chats and impromptu visits
When you’re procrastinating, small talks with your colleagues is a welcome distraction. It lightens the mood in the office, makes work just a bit more fun, and makes the workday pass a little faster. However, when you need to get work done, it can be a mojo killer.
The Solution: Show you’re busy
The best way to keep the productivity ball rolling is by avoiding chats and visits. Not only will you be able to stay focused on work but your ideas will continue to flow without breaking momentum. PeopleFluent Chief Human Resources Officer Eileen Adler suggests standing up when someone comes to your office for a chat. This signals them that you’re too busy and don’t have time to talk.
The Problem: Emails
Emails are a big part the workday. It has become the primary mode of communication within any company. However, they can be a major distraction. The time that you spend managing your inbox can be used productively on other value-added tasks. Seeing that new email notification on the bottom right of your screen can be enough to derail you from the task at hand.
The Solution: Turn off email notifications
To save yourself from getting distracted by new email, turn off all notifications. Disable pop-ups, sound alerts, and other notices that you have set up. Avoid incessantly checking your inbox for new email, too! Set a specific time and duration for checking emails and stop when that period ends. This can help you focus on more pressing tasks and keep your head in the game!
The Problem: The Internet
The Internet can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s a great tool to have. It gives you all the answers you need with one click. On the contrary, it can be a major productivity killer. The Internet and social media is an easy vortex that you can fall into for hours. It is an easy distraction that can lead you to procrastination.
The Solution: Use apps that will block certain websites
There are thousands of apps that can help you stay on the productive lane. Programs like Freedom, SelfControl, and Cold Turkey block a user-set list of websites for a certain time frame. With apps keeping you off the fun parts of the Internet, you’ll be forced to pour all your energy into accomplishing every item on your to-do list!
The Problem: Smartphones and gadgets
According to research by CareerBuilder, 55% of respondents said that smartphones and texting are the biggest productivity killers at work. Having your phone at elbow’s reach is a major temptation in itself. Picking up your phone is a quick gateway to getting distracted from your work.
The Solution: Keep your desk gadget-free
Get a head start on productivity by keeping your desk free of smartphones, tablets, and other non-work-related gadgets. You will find that you can work better without the pings, rings, and vibrations of your smartphone. Nothing kills productivity more than a phone so put it away and get down to business!
The Problem: Meetings
So you’ve got your mojo going strong and you’re on a roll. Things are getting ticked off your to-do list and you’re feeling really accomplished. But just when things were going great, a co-worker comes in and tells you there’s a meeting to attend. Out goes your productivity!
The Solution: Attend only when necessary
There are meetings that your assistant can attend for you especially if it doesn’t involve any decision making. You can also inform your colleagues ahead of time that you’re finishing something and you can’t stay long. Always ask what the meeting agenda will be so you can decide better if you will attend or not.
Productivity can be infectious. Surround yourself with a group of colleagues who like to tackle work head first rather than raid the pantry for a snack. People who like to waste time can drain your energy. Instead, align yourself with your goals for the day and you just might inspire others to do the same!
Do you have other ways of staying productive? Share them with us in the comments below! On the other hand, if you’re struggling with productivity, we can help offload your tasks. Just sign up for our free five-hour trial!
Find out how you can boost productivity with our Productivity Series!
- 10 Best Productivity Apps You Should Be Using Now
- Productivity Hacks That Can Boost Your Workday Efficiency
- Office Productivity Killers and How to Overcome Them
- How to Instill Productivity in the Workplace
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Distractions in the workplace can sometimes be inevitable. Overcoming these distractions is one of the best things top achieve in our corporate life. It is hard to overcome these things specially if you are working in a collaborative office space in which distractions are there all the time.