Each day, work distractions are a serious consideration for employees. Not only does it affect work product but it is also a frustration for the employee who experiences such an event. There are many reasons for office space distractions, but on the bright side, there are also ways to fix these. The following will identify some office space distractions and solutions to combat those issues as well.
Open Office Space Can Be a Major Cause of Distractions
Open office space is a business trend these days, but not all companies should opt for this type of setting. When employees work in an office which has open office space seating, they may not be able to concentrate as well as they would if they were in a more sectioned-off office space setting. In order to minimize distractions, simply set up your office with well-constructed dividers and partitions or ensure that each employee has their own office space.
Limit Unnecessary Personal Technology Use in the Office
Another way in which employees get distracted is by constantly checking their smartphones for texts, Facebook messages and more while on the clock. Put a rule into effect that personal Internet use should be eliminated or at least kept to a minimum during the workday. This will help your employees to focus on their work and save their Internet surfing for their lunch break or after work hours.
Situate Office Space Outside of the General Path of Foot Traffic
It’s easy to get distracted when sitting at your desk and you continually see people walking back and forth around you. For this reason, employers should set up their office space so that employees are not seated within the main walkways, such as next to the reception area or break room. When you arrange the offices or cubicles in a secluded fashion, you are helping to eliminate distractions which are inevitable when the flow of traffic is close to the employee desks.
Ask Your Employees for Input
Perhaps the best way to determine what is most distracting to your employees is to simply ask them. Brainstorming with your employees as to ways to eliminate or minimize distractions will help you to have an inside look into what is really causing your employees to be distracted and which might adversely affect their work product. You don’t have to put all of your employees’ suggestions into play, but it’s a wonderful way to learn more about what may be causing a disturbance throughout the workday.
When you act to minimize office space distractions, you will not only ensure happier, more productive employees but you will benefit your company by taking the steps to make sure that the work product being turned out will be the best it possibly can be. Minimizing office space distractions doesn’t have to be a costly improvement, either. When you make simple changes, whether it be in the office space layout or by requiring employees to refrain from personal Internet use, you have a cost-effective way to improve productivity in the office.