Years ago, we started this series called the Friday Distraction because we thought that, by the end of the workweek, we’re all looking for a little distraction. It might be a workplace cartoon, a few websites to check out, or an infographic with some relevant statistics. The goal was to step away from the intensity of work, so we can return and refocus.
But according to this infographic from Bamboo HR, not all distractions are created equal. As you can guess, texting, social media and water cooler conversation are top workplace distractions. The one that surprised me was taking bathroom breaks – really? It’s number two on the list (um, no pun intended.)
I did find the section comparing what employees and employers feel are “welcome” distractions to be quite interesting. The top two workplace distractions for employees were taking breaks and lunch. Which makes me wonder – why are those viewed as welcome distractions? Shouldn’t employees expect to have lunches and breaks? Employees also mentioned listening to music and I can see this being a controversial one, especially around machinery. When I worked in hotels, a regular conversation occurred about kitchen staff playing music and whether it would impact safety.
And I must admit that employees saying office gossip was a welcome distraction confuses me. Many people feel that office gossip is destructive and hurtful, how can that be a welcome distraction?
On the other hand, employers seem to be anti-technology with social media and the internet ranking in the top five things that hinder productivity. I’m reminded that technology itself isn’t the problem. It’s holding people accountable. If an employee isn’t getting their work done because they spend too much time on the internet, it’s not the internet’s fault. I also thought the “talking with friends” falls into the same category. Having friends at work is a good thing and can enhance employee engagement. It’s about holding employees accountable for getting the work done.
I’m certainly not questioning Bamboo HR’s findings. I’m confident that people actually said this. The takeaway is that, when we think about creating a welcome distraction to our workday, it needs to be a legit distraction. Not an excuse to simply shirk our responsibilities.
0
Heather G. says
Hi Sharlyn,
I would add that many workplace distractions have to do with the location of your workspace within the office. In my role, I frequently have to cover for our Office Manager who is also our Receptionist, and her desk is positioned between the two bathrooms and our kitchen. I won’t take lunch breaks in the office (if at all) on days that I cover for her because I know I will be interrupted by deliveries and visitors. I am distracted frequently by everyone’s bathroom trips in those situations – as well as some folks’ propensity toward multiple iced tea excursions.
On the flip side, when I work from my desk (in an open office environment toward the back of the office,) I have to use my headphones to drown out conversations that happen around me all day – from meeting rooms, or offices that should have their doors closed.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Hi Heather. Totally agree – distractions are not created equal. Thanks for the comment.
Julia S. says
Hello Sharlyn,
This is interesting to say the least.
One thing I would like to mention is that I too held the belief that gossip is a negative addition to the workplace, but a colleague wrote a post recently that has changed my mind. Of course, there is still the destructive side to gossip and that is not beneficial, but research shows that gossip leads to making friends, which improves workplace morale. There is also evidence that in situations where people do not feel comfortable expressing different ideas to the group at large gossip is the main way these ideas come to light, and if there is a consensus that has already been reached by a group that doesn’t really want to change, gossip reduces the perceived power and allows the group to more readily accept all available information.
I also agree when you say the internet is NOT the problem. There was another study my colleague showed me that found people who take 5 minute breaks using Facebook pay better attention to their work than other break options. With so many companies banning social media, it seems to me they are making a detrimental move. As long as they make sure people are not taking advantage and spending exorbitant amounts of time checking FB and the like instead of working, it seems better to let everyone have their fun.
Sharlyn Lauby says
Hi Julia. Thanks for sharing. I completely understand your point about gossip. There are times when it’s totally toxic to the workplace and times when it can be helpful. I wrote a post about “good” gossip – if there is such a word. http://www.hrbartender.com/2010/training/office-gossip-and-rumors/