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A distraction is any action that takes your mind away from a task or an activity. In this digital age, there is an increasing number of things that demand our attention, causing us to be distracted at work. There are many potential causes of distraction, and one of them is technology devices. Although technology helps boost team productivity in numerous ways, it can also negatively impact productivity. For instance, someone working on a project can easily get swayed by social media, an email that pops up, internet browsing, or smartphone applications.
Distractions are not limited to tech devices. Employees can become sidetracked by even the slightest threat to their attention, such as gossip, unscheduled meetings, a noisy coworker, or a simple conversation with another team member. Furthermore, clutter at the office can inhibit a team member’s productivity. If your employee’s desk is messy, it may limit their ability to access and process information on time. Also, the lack of motivation can pose a distraction. If an employee is uncomfortable with the politics going on in the organization, they may not be as motivated and focused as they once were.
Curbing distraction at the workplace requires knowledge and deliberate action. This article will show you how to maintain high team focus and engagement levels amid potential distractions.
Set Clear and Measurable Goals
Establish clear expectations in the form of achievable goals. When team members are unsure what their job requirements are, they can’t live up to expectations. People tend to stay productive and focused when they are held accountable for their work. So, hold each team member accountable for the responsibilities assigned to them and track their progress regularly to evaluate their performances and provide whatever support they need.
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You can have open discussions about your organization’s high-level goals so that each team member knows what’s important at a specific time and what’s not. You can collectively decide what you need to focus on and strategies for reaching those targets together.
Create a Culture of Recognition
Employee recognition refers to the different ways an organization expresses its appreciation for its team members’ contributions. It can come in various forms that may or may not include monetary compensation. When done right, employee recognition can help increase team engagement, encourage high performance, and help you retain top talent. You can recognize your team members for milestones, exhibiting desired behaviors, going above and beyond expectations, or their achievements.
There are so many ways to show appreciation for your employees. You can use a formal or informal approach. A formal recognition is usually planned and incorporated into a recognition program. It can include bonuses, celebrations, and years of service awards. EDCO.com, a corporate recognition products supplier, emphasizes that ‘’years of service awards must be personalized with the employees’ names written on them.‘’ Although the importance of this step is obvious, many business owners miss it. Remember, your awards program must align with your company’s values and the experience you want to create for the employee.
Support Their Well-Being
To keep your employees productive and focused, support their balance and overall well-being. Contrary to what some business owners think, the amount of profits you make monthly or yearly is all that matters. Team members’ well-being is essential for ensuring they are happy, energized, and healthy. This will help them cope with challenges, changes, and stressful situations they may encounter at work or outside of the office.
So, promote a culture of work-life balance that allows team members to prioritize their mental, emotional, and physical health. Also, provide them with opportunities and resources, such as training sessions, coaching sessions, and social events, that can help enhance their balance and well-being. Not only will this maintain their focus, but it will also help your employees avoid fatigue, dissatisfaction, and burnout, which can be detrimental to the organization.
Keep Communication Lines Open
One of the best ways to encourage your employees is to provide them with the information they require for their jobs. This will motivate them and make them feel more involved and engaged with the organization’s affairs. Ensure your team has the information they need by checking with them and asking the right questions. You can also do this if you notice a sudden or gradual drop in focus among your team or within the organization.
One important aspect of communication is feedback. Your team must know that you’re always welcome to their questions and feedback. That way, they can reach out with any concerns or issues they may have. To keep the communication line open, respond to feedback in a positive manner. And when appropriate, provide constructive feedback or criticism.
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