Having a job somewhere surrounded by friends, conversation, and social activities can make visiting the office feel like not much work at all. However, when a social workplace environment gets in the way of your productivity, some people can feel stressed about not hitting their goals or the input it may have on their output.
One report from earlier in 2023 found that 33% of UK workers felt that failing to keep up with their workload causes stress, impacting their productivity.
This issue has become even more prevalent in a post-lockdown world. As more workplaces have adopted a hybrid working environment (a mix of working from home and office-based), some workers are beginning to see coming into the office as a social event.
Fortunately, the team at SaaSgenius has provided five simple tips to help you stay productive whilst remaining social in the workplace.
Set boundaries and remember that saying no is fine
Be clear with your colleagues about the periods when you are busy and can’t stop to chat. It’s likely that they are in the same boat as you and could benefit from the reminder to focus on their tasks too.
When you really cannot be disturbed, consider ways to avoid people trying to distract you, such as putting on headphones, turning off your notifications or putting up a ‘do not disturb’ sign at your desk.
Take regular breaks
Sitting at your desk or staring at a computer screen for a prolonged period of time can make you want to procrastinate by starting or getting involved in conversations with people around you.
Allowing yourself to take regular short breaks throughout the day can help boost your productivity as long as you remember to stay completely focused when working.
Whether stretching your legs with a walk to the coffee shop, doing fifteen minutes of exercise, or simply having a natter with your colleagues, scheduling these breaks into your daily work routine can help alleviate stress and improve your productivity.
Avoid multitasking
While it seems like you are getting more done by handling two tasks simultaneously, the reality is that each task serves as a distraction from the other, meaning you are not giving 100% attention to either task.
This can ring particularly true if you work in a social environment where regular distractions can leave you unsure of which task to return to when you regain your focus.
Devoting your attention to just one task at a time will help your productivity in the long run. Not only are you more likely to get these individual tasks done quicker, but you are also more likely to get them done at a better quality.
Stay organised
Keeping your schedule and space organised will help you be more productive and avoid distractions throughout the day, particularly if you work where your colleagues are likely to distract you.
Organise your time effectively by setting specific times to do certain tasks, such as checking your emails or responding to messages between colleagues, to avoid getting sidetracked during working hours.
You will also see your productivity soar if you physically organise your workspace. Keeping your desk clear of clutter will help you focus on the task and relieve stress.
Use tools and apps
Fortunately, we live in the modern world, and plenty of tools and apps are available to help us avoid distractions and stay on track at work.
Serene is one example of an app that can literally help you to block out outside noises while at work. When you activate Serene, the software automatically blocks any digital distractions like certain websites and apps.
Plenty of apps and software can help you organise your time and tasks throughout your working day to streamline your focus and avoid distractions.
