5 Tips To Better Focus In An Open Plan Office
Do you, like many modern employees, have multiple co-workers in the same office? We at DigiGround, believe that there are advantages to working in an open-plan office. It’s friendlier and simpler to talk. However, a lack of privacy might make it difficult to focus.
It can be difficult to get used to the commotion of shared office spaces after months of working from home in quiet or messy circumstances. How can you isolate yourself to complete that crucial and urgent project when there are ringing phones, loud discussions, people coming and leaving, and office building renovations? Here are five suggestions to keep you working even in an open-concept office!
Before we get started, what exactly is an open-plan office? A simple way to understand the open-plan office is the design of the office, which is more reliable for company employees, and it is created to increase the company’s productivity so that the company can profit more through employees. Returning to the simple methods for achieving focus in an open-plan office:
- Let your colleagues know
Are you engaged in a demanding project that necessitates greater concentration than usual? If you arrive at work in the morning and believe that the environment is too casual and won’t aid in your concentration? Don’t be afraid to let your co-workers know about your pressing work and to express your need for privacy. When informing your colleagues about your work or project, remember to be courteous.
- Put your headphones on
If you are allowable, wearing headphones or a sound-cancelling headset will allow you to create your own bubble and soundproof yourself from any conversations or movements in the open space. Some people find inspiration in their favourite songs, while others may prefer to listen to a relaxing playlist. If you spend your day with your headphones glued to your ears, make sure you socialise during your regular breaks. Otherwise, you might come across as distant or as if you’re avoiding everyone.
- Switch on the silent mode
All we know is that mobile phones are becoming an essential part of our lives, but we can’t ignore the fact that most people waste their time on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. This is why people are unable to concentrate on their work. So, here’s another tip that will come in handy when you’re working: turn on silent mode on your phone or turn it off completely.
- Display a “busy” sign
It may not be practical to leave your desk every time you require some peace and quiet. You can still notify colleagues by putting “busy” status on your Teams. Turn off your email notifications. Block off your calendar so that anyone looking to stop by and spend time with you knows you’re unavailable. Do whatever it takes in your physical space and technological environment to prevent access to you.
- Take breaks
Even if you have a strong ability to focus, navigating the open office is exhausting. You will need to take breaks to recharge your batteries. Set a timer to take regular breaks if you tend to stay at your desk all day. Get some water, walk around the floor, and be one of those chatty co-workers to someone else!
Final thoughts
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of an open office environment if you don’t plan specific actions to bring focus and calm back into your workday. Choose one or more of these five suggestions to start with, and then layer on additional actions as needed.
