How do you deal with interruptions and distractions at workplace?

I know this is the most common challenge in any modern workplace. Distractions and interruptions happen, it’s how you deal with them everyday that matters. So today, I’m going to share some simple and effective ways to deal with interruptions at work.

Unfortunately, your mobile rings to ask “just a quick question”… an email, instant message, or text messages… your boss stops by to drop off some paperwork, your colleagues comes over to chat …. Shifting your focus even for short periods of time has a direct effect on the quality of your work.

Study after study have found that working in an office can be incredibly distracting.  Here are a few tips to deal with interruptions at workplace. And, of course, feel free to add your own tips in the comments below!

1. Switch off all notifications on your email –  One reason that e-mail was invented was so that you could respond to it at your own time.

2. If possible, Schedule time and Structure your day, can be a a clever solution to the incessant interruptions of the office.

3. Try not to disturb your colleagues with “quick questions”.

4. Try to keep meetings or get-together brainstorming as short as possible.

5. You should close all unnecessary programs that you are not currently using: email, Facebook, Twitter, Skype, browsers, and anything else that could disturb you.

6. Try to switch off your phone, or at least put it on silent.

7. If you are lucky enough to have an office, invest in a ‘do not disturb’ sign for your door.

8. Try to be assertive and learn to say, “No.”

9. While you’re budgeting time for your workday, take Murphy’s Law into account and overestimate the time you’ll need.

10. Make sure it’s collaboration, not interruption.

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