The advancements in technology have helped a great deal in making lives easier and much more comfortable. Though it may not always be apparent, this development has also affected performance among workers. Admit it or not, the step up in technology has certainly become a source of distractions while at work. An average of 30% in daily office schedule is wasted because of these technological diversions. Now, let us see how these tools of convenience became masters of distraction.

Text Messaging. More people are opting to drop messages to family, friends or colleagues via text; it’s cheaper than making a call. Because it is widely used (did I say cheap?), people tend to abuse the convenience of text messaging and even use it for sending unimportant and non-essential texts. Sure, it’s unintentional but the constant beeping and vibrating of mobile phones in the workplace can distract even the most focused individual. Mobile phones have template messages like Busy, or In a meeting that you can send to whoever is sending you a text message; consider using them. Better yet, set your mobile phone to silent mode without using vibration and resist the urge to check your messages every few minutes.

E-mails. The significance of e-mails in the modern world can never be overemphasized. People maintain connections and get closer by exchanging e-mail messages. Some business transactions are conducted and closed via e-mail. Though e-mail has been playing a vital role in the business world, it has also become a huge factor in getting sidetracked while working. Don’t get addicted to your e-mail. Turn off any visual or audible warning that tells you there’s a new message. Try checking your Inbox only at designated times; which can be twice, maybe three times max.

Chats and Social Networks. The emergence of different social networking sites has inadvertently interfered in many tasks at the workplace. Chat windows and the “buzzing” of your instant messenger draw your attention away from work. Network chats within the office is great for getting updates or information from your co-workers without the hassle of going to the next floor to personally ask for what you need. Chats become unhealthy in the office when you use it to socialize using company time. You can update your Facebook and Twitter profile or status and other accounts during coffee breaks. If you must keep yourself logged on, let people know you can’t chat with messages such as “Working”, or “Away”.

Telephone Calls. Constant use of the telephone consumes a lot more time than you may realize. Whether it’s a business call or just a friendly chit chat, it adds up to the amount of wasted time; which you could be using instead to finish work and meet deadlines. Let the voice mail take care of the messages and only return urgent calls. Be wise and prioritize.

Technology in the workplace is often unconsciously (or maybe even consciously) abused by some workers. It’s not an entirely new issue, but it’s not something irreversible either. There are certain measures that can be done to help prevent the situation from getting worse. As a responsible employee, you should not contribute to or tolerate the abuse of these devices. It’s really just part of work ethics and a matter of personal discipline.

Tags: job, job duties, job tips, jobs, Personal Branding, professional, Social Networks

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 4th, 2010 at 9:08 am and is filed under Free Advice, Social Networking & Jobs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.