Focusing in the workplace

Do you find it hard sometimes to focus in the workplace?

We have some tips that will help you channel your focus so you can be more productive:

1. Control your phone

It can be very easy to be distracted by phones pinging and ringing all day. This doesn't give you much hope of being productive, a good tip is to use "Do Not Disturb" mode. But even when it's not, make sure your phone is on silent - a loud phone buzzing could also distract your colleagues.

2. Make sure your computer is organised

Keep your inbox down! Make sure it's clear and up to date. Having an overflowing inbox can cause unnecessary stress.

3. Do some physical activity before it's time to focus

It's important to have some downtime but being physically active can help get the blood flowing and send more oxygen to the brain. Sometimes a quick walk around the block can give you a fresh perspective on a task that is troubling you.

4. Practice completing one task at a time

We tend to think we're accomplishing when we're doing multiple things at once. But this isn't the case. Doing multiple tasks at once can lower our productivity and can harm our focus. Try setting a timer at your desk to help complete one task at a time. Try this for 10 minutes - if you boss it, take a few minutes to have a break. If you don't, set the timer and try again, this will help train your brain and make you more aware of your time.

5. Take control of your work environment

It doesn't matter if you work from home or the office, it's quite easy to get distracted and interrupted. Train others around you to respect the time you need to focus on your work. An easy way of doing this is blocking out some time in your calendar, showing you're going to be busy. You could send a quick email out to your team or even change your availability on your email status.