A Look into How YOU Can Improve Your Workplace Productivity

You probably have the best of intentions when you’re at work. But, like many of us, certain factors may enter your workday that create distractions—and a hurdle to getting your work done. If you are able to tune these pesky things out, no problem. But if you find yourself easily thrown off-target, it can help to have a solid plan in place for how to avoid distractions. This way, you will find it much easier keep your attention on the task at hand—your daily assignments. Here’s what you can do.

Common Workplace Distractions

You may encounter any of the following during your workday. Here’s what you need to know to avoid distractions on the job:

  1. Music.If the person in the cubicle next to you listens to music—either with our without ear buds—and you can hear it, this can create a major distraction. If you choose to listen to music while you work, this can also hinder your daily progress. Your best bet is to nicely ask your coworker to turn the tunes down, or ask a manager or supervisor for help. As for yourself, it may be your best choice to set your MP3 player aside until break time.
  2. Coworker chatter. Not all office settings are perfectly quiet, especially if you work near the restrooms or a water cooler. If chatty coworkers are distracting you, you can politely remind them you’re working and ask them to please move their conversation to a break area. Again, you can also speak with a supervisor or manager if you feel uncomfortable asking for quiet. If the problem is a persistent one, you might even consider asking for a desk move to a less-traveled part of the building.
  3. Email alerts. If your email is set to alert you when new messages come in, this can cut into your thoughts while you’re working on other things. You can avoid this by simply turning off these alerts, so you can check your messages on your own schedule.
  4. Your cell phone. It’s no secret that the ability to get and send text messages, use apps and surf the internet can be incredibly distracting. To avoid the temptation, leave your cell phone in your car or tuck it into your purse while you’re working—out of plain sight. If you can’t see your phone, you’ll be less likely to pick it up.
  5. Social media. With its constantly scrolling updates, it’s easy to get lost in a social media haze—but this is a dangerous distraction that is best avoided until your break or after work.
  6. Desk calls. If you have a phone at your desk, nothing can get you off track quite like a phone call. Check to see if your phone has a “send calls” function, so any incoming calls while you’re busy will go automatically into your voice mail. This way, you can get your projects done and answer any messages when you need to take a breather.

Your Supervisor or Manager is There to Help

Your boss wants you to do well. So if you encounter any of the above and are not sure what to do, just schedule time to meet with him or her. Your boss will be happy to see that you want to take all steps to finish your work on time and to the best of your ability.

Looking for Your Next Position?

Snelling Georgia Group can help. We work with candidates in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area for job placements that match with your qualifications and career goals. To learn more, contact one of our experienced recruiters.

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