Multi-tasking, which was once touted as a best practice in our fast-paced economy, has now been found to reduce intelligence and hinder productivity. In one study during which people who were and weren't multi-tasking were given a comprehension test, the ones who were multi-tasking received scores that were 11 percent lower than the scores of those who were not. If you're sitting near a multi-tasker in an office setting, your own comprehension could decrease by 17 percent. Another study found that if you're multi-tasking, you could squander up to 40 percent of your productivity.
The evidence is compelling: Being focused on a task, or in a "deep work" state of mind, is much more efficient—if you can get there. "When you concentrate, you give whatever you're working on your full attention," said Dana Case, director of operations at MyCorporation , a startup-consultation business in California.
"This helps you be more productive overall and avoid making simple mistakes and errors that could otherwise come up if you're distracted. Employees that fully concentrate are able to do their best work, which makes for the best possible employee."
Though focus is important, how does this work in a modern office, where bosses can be demanding, social media is tempting, Slack and e-mail messages are expected to be answered promptly, workers eat lunch at their desks and companies are embracing the open office design?
Read the rest of the article:
6 Ways to Boost Employee Concentration
SHRM | Sep 2019
How to Reduce Digital Distractions at Work
SHRM | Nov 2019
Tips for Employers/Managers
4 Ways to Help Your Team Avoid Digital Distractions
Harvard Business Review | Jul 2019
4 Ways to Stop Employees from Getting Distracted
Inc. | Mar 2019
5 Ways Companies Can Reduce Workplace Distractions
The Motley Fool | Feb 2019
Hey Leaders: It's Time To Do Something About Workplace Distractions
Forbes | Oct 2018
Tips for Individuals
10 Quick Tips for Avoiding Distractions at Work
Harvard Business Review | Dec 2019
The Secret to Tuning Out the Noise at Work
US News & World Report | Sep 2019
12 Common Workplace Distractions and How You Can Stay Focused Anyway
Entrepreneur | May 2019
5 Tips for Battling Cubicle Distractions
The Balance Careers | Jun 2019
Related Reading
Protect Your Time at Work by Setting Better Boundaries
Harvard Business Review | Dec 2019
Co-workers Are Biggest Distraction In Open Offices
Facility Executive | May 2019
HQ Trivia: The Latest in Potential Workplace Distractions
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