Interruptions are distractions. Those people who constantly respond to texts, emails and messaging systems might feel ‘in the loop’ but their productivity is probably woefully low. Discipline is needed to wait until an appropriate time when the task in hand is finished or can be paused with no detriment. Those who cannot be disciplined should turn off their technology to give them periods in which they can fully concentrate.
Multitasking is also distracting. Those who either try to do two things at once or switch constantly between two tasks will also suffer a lack of performance. Have you ever tried to read two books at the same time? Most people who do so find they gain little from either book. The problems of multitasking are made worse if the tasks in the rotation require the same part of the brain for completion. So, a creative task could just about be carried out air he same time as a mundane, repetitive task but two creative tasks at the same time is not possible – except for a very few people with strange (even weird) attributes.
Constant interruptions can not only affect concentration – and thus performance; they can also affect employees’ mental health.
Some of the ‘productivity techniques’ suggest assigning specific periods of time to specific tasks (or portions of specific tasks) – and this can be a useful device – again if practised in a disciplined manner. These periods should be long enough to allow concentration to grow, settle and be effective – say a minimum of 30 minutes.
However you do it, it is important to build barriers that prevent interruptions and distractions looming into your consciousness when you are trying to concentrate.
It also helps if the leaders of work groups create periods of the day or week when there will be no meetings – and employees are discouraged from interrupting their colleagues.
The aim should be to create periods of time – and to allow employees to create their own periods of time – when focus can be total.