Here is a quote – You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks.’
—Winston S Churchill
Generally perceived as detracting from individual effectiveness, interruptions are part and parcel of the modern-day work environment. Annoyingly, they occur frequently in organizations in a variety of forms. Experts have categorized interruptions under four categories, namely, intrusions, breaks, distractions, and discrepancies. Each of these four raises distinct issues and may lead to consequences different in nature and magnitude.
The most prominent interruptions
To develop a congenial work environment, it is essential to focus on the basics first. You have to identify the sources of interruptions that torment you the most. The first step to limiting distractions is to be aware of them. Once you recognize what interferes with your work, you can make the changes that will increase your daily productivity (refer Carvism principle 10).
Distractions causing you to lose valuable, productive minutes may include email, telephone, paper, visitors, environment, noise, meetings, and task lists. While identifying these, you may come across activities that you may not consider interruptions but, in fact, they are.
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Email
Where email is concerned, there are two main problems. First, the alerts for new messages that appear redundantly on the screen, and second, our habit to scroll to ensure that we do not miss or overlook an action. The former can be tackled by simply turning off those alerts. Creating folders will take care of the latter. Your daily action folder can help you decide on the action you would love to take on a particular task. Ensure that there are no distracting stacks on your desktop; it will help you in focusing on your goal.
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Telephone
If your concern is your telephone, then just get rid of the urge of answering every call right when it comes in. You can take some uninterrupted time each day by letting your voicemail inform callers when they can expect to hear from you.
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Noise
Noise is yet another important issue that should be addressed to make way for an unhindered work environment. The best ways to maintain your focus are using noise machines, wearing headphones, or, simply, closing your door to outside distractions. These simple noise-reduction methods work effectively.
An uninterrupted environment is more productive
Your office environment plays a decisive role in determining your productivity. Hence, ensure that it is neither too cold nor too hot for your comfort. Moreover, you should ensure that your work environment is properly lighted.
Remember, in order to flourish, you have to develop an uninterrupted environment that facilitates productivity and saves time and energy. Having a fair idea of the various interruptions and their consequences in different contexts can easily help you manage a mixed bag of work-related and personal responsibilities and concerns with ease.
