This is How Smart People Slow Down Interruptions at the Office

Interruptions at work are inevitable. While some are necessary as part of your job, others are not … and waste not only the time it takes to deal with the interrupter, but also the time it takes you to regain your train of thought and get back on track.

The average office worker is interrupted or switches tasks every three minutes and five seconds, reports the washingtonpost.com.

Take a look at some creative ways to slow interruptions and stop those well-meaning interruptors: 

1. Approach interrupters and say, “Walk with me.”
2. Put a sign on your chair that says what you’re working on.
3. Hang your in-basket outside your cube or office.
4. Say, specifically, what you’re working on and what value it has.
5. Ask, “How much time do you want me to take away from this project so we can discuss the issue you have raised?”
6. Schedule another time to meet with the interrupter in his or her work area.
7. Use secret routes. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, or park at the other end of the building.
8. Carry something important-looking in your hand, and frown at it as you walk.
9. Hand the drop-in coworker something to deliver for you.
10. Hold stand-up huddle meetings instead of sit-down discussions.
11. Instead of motioning for people to come into your office, shake your head and mouth, “Need two hours more to get this done.”
12. Persuade a coworker to call you if a regular interrupter enters the area.
13. Take work from the interrupter with a comment that you want to review it tomorrow, when you’re fresh, and that you’ll schedule an appointment to discuss it with him or her.
14. Get rid of the guest chairs near your desk.
15. If you see an interrupter coming, pick up your phone and say, “Yes, I will finish that and get back to you in five minutes.”
16. Duck into the restroom. Works best if interrupter is opposite gender, but be warned, they may hang outside the door to wait for you to come out.
17. Use your email program to specify meeting locations so people don’t have to ask you where meetings and luncheons will be held.
18. If someone says, “Do you have five minutes?” say, “I have two” and stand up.
19. Remove the candy dish from your office.
20. Put pictures of your kids on your keyboard tray or on the back of your door. You’ll be able to see them, but they won’t invite people to converse.