We all get distracted at work. How can we not look at that text, answer that call, browse social media, or talk to people who drop by? In today's workplace, there are more distractions than ever before and its killing productivity. It's time to acknowledge we're behaving badly and do something about it -- if not for your co-workers, for yourself. Trust us when we say, management notices.
We've broken down the three P's of productivity -- people, places and phones -- and what you should do to avoid being perceived as of 'those' people.
People: According to Career Builder's research exploring the causes of wasted time at work, people's behavior represents 50 percent of the top 10 distractions. 42 percent of employers said that gossip was a major productivity stopper. Advice: stop it. No one likes a gossip and frankly, you're not endearing yourself to anyone, especially when review time comes along.
Phones: Cell phone usage and texting was reported as the top productivity killer in the workplace. 50 percent of employers cited phones for personal use, including the Internet and social media , to be constant struggles. Advice: turn it off and put it away. Check your phone at lunch and mid-afternoon for personal matters. If you're a working parent, make sure everyone has your direct line number and the main phone number of where you work. You can also set a special ring tone for contacts so that your phone will only ring if it's the school, day care or nanny calling.
Places: How we work looks different than it did even 10 years ago. With open spaces less the exception, it is important to recognize that many people haven't adjusted. Employers noted that environmental productive blockers included coworkers dropping by uninvited (23 percent), noisy coworkers (24 percent) and people putting calls on speaker phone (10 percent). Advice: turn it down a notch. This isn't your house and sometimes people need to be left alone to get their work done. If you feel compelled to visit, make sure you start by asking if your coworker has the time to chat.
At the end of the day, if you can up your productivity game at work, you'll have more time to play. Now wouldn't that be nice?