Distractions come in many forms. It can be present in a private environment as well as in group settings. Distractions can also come from within yourself, other people, and the surrounding elements. Whichever it’s, distractions should be resolved so that it doesn’t affect you, your employees, and the overall performance of your business. Below are some common workplace distractions and ways you can prevent them from getting out of hand. 

Noise

Although noises are a normal part of a workplace, too much noise can become a disruption and, if not resolved accordingly, can negatively affect focus and eventually work performance. 

These noises can come from many sources. It could be from co-workers collaborating, talking, gossiping, coughing, you name it. Noises can also come from outside the office, especially if you’re located in a busy street. 

How to solve it?

We can’t stop employees from talking to each other, especially when they’re doing it for work. What we can do is create separate areas in the office where employees have the option to work in a quieter area, a more private setting. 

Likewise, provide some collaborative space to accommodate those who like to work along with other colleagues–as such, having a flexible office design should be your choice when it comes to your office interior design in Singapore. 

Moreover, If background noise is the source of distraction, you can also invest in some noise-canceling headphones. This will help workers to focus on their tasks without external noise disturbing them. 

Now, if you’re located in a busy area, the noise from traffic can be a nuisance. If relocating isn’t an option, consider having soundproof walls included in your office space planning or your office renovation to cancel the noise from outside. 

Clutter

The second distraction that could easily be avoided is clutter. The majority of us don’t like to work in a messy space. And rightly so, the mess can create an unnecessary disturbance and can potentially create confusion as it’s harder to focus when many things are around you. 

But of course, a little mess is expected in an office, and it’s not worrisome. But you need to make sure the mess doesn’t pile up to the point that it’s unbearable and indispensable. A healthy working environment starts with decluttering your office space. 

How to solve it?

The mess can be effectively solved by having rules that encourage employees to clean up after they’re done with the facility. If files and documents are the issues, updating your storage system is the solution. Switching to cloud technology to keep your files safe and sound is a smart option to go for. 

For more information on office technology, check out our article about essential technologies to have for your office in Singapore. 

Self-imposed Distractions

This is perhaps the most common and the hardest distraction to get by. Distractions from things like phones, social media, and personal issues are happening not only in the workplace but at our home and beyond. 

When used for non-working-related tasks, phones and social media will get your mind off the task. Furthermore, personal factors such as fatigue and personal problems can also significantly affect productivity in the workplace. 

How to solve it?

You can have some regulation in place, but know that too strict of a rule is itself a distraction. So  instead, create rules that make sense. For example, focus on encouraging your workforce only to use social media and the phone during break times, unless there is an emergency or the need to use it for work-related tasks.

With this, provide some regular break times where they can relax and unwind from all things work. Breaks and group activities can also promote overall wellness and heighten your workers’ morale. 

Furthermore, create group activities that encourage team bonding and foster a company culture that promotes openness. In other words, give your workers a say in your organisation so that they feel comfortable in sharing thoughts and problems.

You can even offer employees distraction busting software that blocks off distracting websites and apps, on a voluntary basis rather than compulsory.

Meetings

This may come as a surprise for some of you, but meetings can be a distraction for some workers. In contrast with what people think about meetings as a necessary part of the working world, a meeting can be a problem if not done correctly. With meetings, employees can be pulled away from their work and be forced to sit for hours. A study by UC Irvine found that interruptions increase stress and create a higher chance for workers to make an error. 

How to solve it? 

Consider other workers’ deadlines and workload. Try to inform your workforce about meetings in advance so that they can better schedule and organise their tasks. Moreover, consider the necessity of your meetings. Do you need everyone to be present? Perhaps select a few members of the team that are essential to the subject that’ll be discussed in the meetings. 

Proper office space planning and office renovation are key aspects in effectively managing disturbance in the workspace. Consider the sources of distractions when undergoing your office space planning.  If you need some expert assistance, talk and consult with us. We’re here to help with every need of your office renovation in Singapore.