Sick of constant office distractions and need some relief? Don’t worry – help is at hand.
At Slouch, we don’t just design fantastic office desks and chairs, we’re also knowledgeable in all things office-related. We’ve listed some of the most common annoyances you might face and exactly what to do about them whether you work from home or in an office with colleagues.
So take 5 minutes out to read this guide and you might win back hours of time you currently lose getting distracted.
Noisy environments
Distraction: Do you hear constant chatter of colleagues from across the room of an open plan layout office? Or perhaps you’re disturbed by deliveries, dogs and doorbells at home. Either way, noise is a huge distraction and tops our list.
Work-from-home solution: Get a system in place where you ask family or housemates not to disturb you between certain hours unless it’s an emergency. Remember to group online deliveries together where possible or set designated safe spaces like a parcel box or side porch to avoid inconvenient doorbell rings.
Office solution: Drown out office distractions with noise-cancelling headphones. These are absolute office essentials in our opinion.
Digital notification overload
Distraction: We’re more digitally connected than ever and while it might make some aspects of work life more convenient, the notifications are the price we pay. Let’s explore solutions for the constant distracting ping from emails and work apps.
Solution: This is one office distraction you can literally turn off. Take time in your working day to be truly focused by unplugging from messaging apps and muting your email alerts.
Let colleagues know that they can call you if there’s an urgent problem but that you need space to focus. You could also carve out a regular time to unsubscribe from any annoying email newsletters that eat into your headspace.
Side note: Finding it hard to put down your personal phone during work hours? Try capping your screen time using apps to discourage unlimited use.
Uncomfortable seating
Distraction: Does your chair feel like it was designed by someone who has never actually sat down? It’s an all too common workplace distraction. Don’t live with nagging discomfort or pain from a terrible office chair, upgrade your lumbar support.
Work-from-home solution: It’s time to break up with that kitchen chair you’ve been using as an office seat and experience true comfort.
Get to know Slouch’s Task 01 office desk chair.
From the adjustable back support to the cushioning but supportive foam seat pad – we think you’ll like what you see.
Office solution: Let whoever is responsible for HR or operations in your business know that the chairs are causing you discomfort. It’s totally reasonable to want office chairs that don’t leave you with aches and pains.
If there’s no change, try taking regular breaks with stretches to stretch out your back and consider a seat pad.
Visual clutter
Distraction: A cluttered desk can be hugely distracting. In fact, there’s a name for it: visual clutter. Science tells us that clutter drains us mentally and stops us from fully focusing. So let’s nip it in the bud to create a better working environment.
Work-from-home solution: Create an aesthetic desk setup free from clutter and potential office distractions. Channel your inner Marie Kondo and assess each item to make sure it’s ‘sparking joy’ or totally essential to your work. If neither, feel free to get rid of it.
Office solution: Implement a daily ‘clean desk’ policy, meaning you ensure that you start and leave the day with a clear workstation. As soon as you’ve read paperwork, file it, action it or recycle it immediately.
Poor lighting
Distraction: Next on our list of top office distractions is poor lighting. You might not realise it, but bad lighting can be a real productivity killer.
Work-from-home solution: If you’re wondering what colour light is best for studying or working, the choice is yours. Some people find cool white light during the day best to boost alertness. Others prefer warmer light with a less clinical tone.
Either way, stay away from overhead light that’s too harsh and bright while ensuring you have adequate task lighting.
Office solution: From flickering light bulbs to lighting that’s too dim or harsh, speak up about lighting issues. Your eyes (and your productivity) will thank you. Also, make sure you take regular eye breaks.
Temperature discomfort
Distraction: Temperature issues in the workplace can be a major workplace distraction. Whether it’s feeling too cold and struggling to type with chilly fingers, or feeling uncomfortably warm and finding it hard to concentrate, temperature extremes can seriously affect your focus and work output.
Work-from-home solution: Feeling chilly? When working from home extra layers, blankets and slippers are close at hand. Consider investing in a heater and a fan to help with extreme temperatures.
Office solution: In an office where you have less control over the environment it’s essential you come prepared.
When the temperature dips come prepared with a jumper and heated seat pad. In hot weather, bring a USB desk fan to make your own cooling breeze.
Backache
Distraction: You shouldn’t have to put up with that persistent ache in your back as the working day goes on. It’s one office distraction that’s almost always avoidable, so let’s get into how you can stop it.
Work-from-home solution: Buy a desk that truly fits your body. You might see an ergonomic desk and think it looks similar to one that isn’t tailored to your body. The difference to you back, however, can be huge. Getting sufficient desk depth will stop you from hunching over your laptop and the right height will ensure your neck isn’t craning.
One more thing. Are you a cross legged office chair sitter? You should kick that habit as it plays havoc on your body and can contribute to back aches.
Office solution: Take regular breaks to stretch out your back. Ensure your laptop or monitors are pushed as far back on your desk as possible and adjust your chair so that your arm is comfortably resting on the desk.
Make your workstation a focus haven
If you’re ready to get your hands on an ergonomic chair that allows you to work comfortably and undisturbed, you’ll love Slouch’s collection. Once you experience the personalised sit you get from our fully adjustable chairs, you’ll never look back.
Add in a desk in the same colour with sturdy metal legs and smooth organic shaping and you’ll have a match made in heaven.
Contact the friendly experts at [email protected] if you have any questions or queries about our office furniture.
