How to Avoid Getting Distracted at Work
November 4, 2019 | Career Blog
It is easy to get distracted at your job, especially when you work full-time. If you spend most of your day working your brain is naturally drawn toward other things. This is a big reason why taking breaks is so important, everyone needs to be able to check back in with themselves. However, that isn’t the only way you can make sure you are staying focused when it matters the most.
6 Secrets to Staying Focused
The following tips will help you keep your head in the game and avoid getting distracted at work.
1. Know When to Shut the Door
If the task that you are focused on is within a room with a door, shut it. Especially if you are worried that you might be distracted by something in the hallway, or that someone might come in and draw you away, it’s not a bad idea to keep the door closed. If you are worried about being rude, post a sign informing others that you have a deadline or are taking an important call.
2. Don’t Check Your Phone So Often
Yes, a lot could be happening on your phone at any time. How much of that actually has to do with your job? And how much of your time are you wasting by looking at your phone and realizing that nothing really has changed? Send whatever emails and messages you need to and then move onto your next task. Finish that task before returning to your email. This will allow you to prioritize your time appropriately.
3. Don’t Stay in One Place for Too Long
If you are working on a project that doesn’t necessarily confine you to one space, take advantage of being able to move around a bit. If your project does keep you there, find ways to change up the setting. Play some music that you enjoy, or take a moment to stretch. Staying in one mode too long is bound to become boring and make you tempted to roam. If you provide yourself with a change of environment it will keep you from getting too restless.
4. Silence Your Notifications
There are some apps you simply cannot delete from your phone. However, you can turn your phone on silent so you don’t hear every little notification coming your way. How many of your phone calls are solicitors? How many text messages are ones you can answer later? Turn your phone on silent so the sounds don’t create unnecessary temptations, pulling you out of what you should really be focusing on.
5. Break Down Your Tasks
Making a schedule for yourself and tracking your time can really help you use your day productively. If you know what you want to accomplish that day and break it down into time slots, you can define when there is time to take a break in between. This helps to keep you engaged with your goals and aware of how much more time is left before you can move onto the next thing.
6. Find a Job You Love!
There is no doubt about it, the more you enjoy your job, the less you will be drawn to distractions. True, finding that niche job isn’t easy, but there are solutions you might not know to exist. Don’t let yourself get into the habit of staring at the clock, waiting for your shift to end. Find a job that actually feels worthwhile.
Where to Find Help
Staffing companies like Allegiance work to help people that are in search of a job that they will enjoy and do well. If you are getting distracted easily at your current job and are in search of a change, we can help you find the right fit for you. Give us a call today and we will start you on the path to the career that allows you to make the most of the time you spend there.