How to cope with interruptions at work

You need to get that report finished today and a colleague comes over to the desk to talk about another project. Then you have a shedload of emails to read. A salesperson rings to tell you about a conference that has not sold enough places. By the end of the day the report is still unfinished and you stay late to finish it whilst everyone else goes home or to the pub. What to do?

Emails and phone are easy to deal with. You can switch them off. This rarely works with people. Consider whether an interruption is useful or a distraction. Often the unscheduled chat is very useful and more time-efficient and timely than a formal meeting scheduled for two weeks time. Things get done. Therefore try to schedule periods when you are available to talk.

When you want to shut out the world put on earphones. Even if you are not listening to anything most people understand the clear signal that you are unavailable.

Failing that a Do Not Disturb sign can work. Just don’t expect the boss to pay any attention to it!