Tips to Handle Interruptions

Statistics on productivity time lost and resulting cost to your business due to interruptions vary. Aside from these aspects, think about how you feel when you are interrupted – often frustration and anger levels rise and have a further impact on your productivity and ability to refocus.

Here are five tips on how you can alleviate or avoid those interruptions:

1. Add blocks of focused work time to your calendar.

Tell your team that you are not to be disturbed during this time frame no matter what – unless there is something like a fire, and you need to evacuate the building. Telling others in advance to not interrupt you will help reduce the likelihood of face to face encounters, which can derail you big-time.

2. Be considerate of others; that is, hesitate to interrupt your coworker.

Just as much you have work to do, others do as well. Be considerate of interrupting someone who is working hard and only do so if you must. Having a question is a better reason to interrupt someone than to chat about the game last night.

3. Work remotely or in private, when you can.

Working remotely or in private (instead of in an open office environment) can boost productivity and reduce distractions considerably. Since the most prevalent type of interruption is face to face, you get much more done when you’re alone.

4. Disable notifications.

On most smartphones, you can enable “do not disturb” mode to avoid digital disturbances. Likewise, if you are deep into a project on your computer, disable notifications from interrupting you.

5. Audit how you are spending your time.

Whether through a written log, or technology, tracking how you spend your time may sound detrimental at first; however, it is helpful to visualize trends in how you are spending your time.

How can we help?

If you or your team need help to identify obstacles and challenges in your workplace situation, contact Theresa, or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a 30-minute Complimentary Conversation. Reaching a goal is a journey, and Success Trek is here to take that journey alongside you.