I may be an extrovert, but I also need quiet time to think and actually get work done. Unfortunately, that rarely happens.
Researchers have found that the average office employee who works at a desk gets no more than 3 minutes a day without an interruption. This kills workplace productivity. How much work can I do in 3 minutes, particularly if it involves thinking? Not much.
I have found a few things that can work to get rid of the interruptions:
- Shut your office door (yes, I know — lucky me; I have a door to my office).
- Put a sign on your cubicle wall: “Thinking going on. Come back in __ minutes.”
- Put your phone on DND (do not disturb).
- Set your email server to “work offline” for a period of time. (Then check emails in between projects.)
- Block your calendar, or find another way to let the people who work with you know when you next will be available.