You start your day with the best of intentions. You have a to-do list, deadlines to meet and motivation. But within minutes a notification pops up and you’re sucked into social media or an online shopping site. This is a familiar scenario for many of us. Distractions are a major productivity killer and managing them is a big challenge in today’s work environment.
Research from Salary.com shows 64% of employees spend their work hours on non work related websites resulting in decreased productivity and efficiency. Blocking distracting sites can get that time back and help you focus and produce more. Understanding the impact of these distractions on productivity will motivate you to find a solution.
The Distractions
Distractions are more than just a minor irritation; they affect productivity and work quality. Frequent interruptions can lead to:
- Reduced focus and attention
- More errors and mistakes
- Less output
- More stress
Professionals take up to 23 minutes to get back into flow after an interruption according to a University of California, Irvine study.
Blocking Distracting Websites
One way to fight these productivity killers is by installing website extensions or add-ons to block websites on Chrome, Firefox and other browsers that you frequently use. These tools block distracting sites so you can focus on your work. By blocking social media, news and other non essential websites you can create a more productive workspace.
But Why Block Them?
Blocking these sites may seem harsh but it has many benefits:
1. More Focus and Concentration
Website blockers remove the temptation to visit distracting sites so you can focus fully on your tasks. This means better quality work and faster time to complete.
2. Customizable Blocking
Many website blockers have customizable settings so you can block sites during work hours or set time limits on non work related browsing. So you can tailor the tool to your work habits.
3. More Productivity
By cutting out distractions, you can be more productive. Employees using website blockers report higher efficiency and output as they can focus more on important tasks.
4. Less Stress
Fewer distractions means you can get your work done faster with less stress. Knowing you are being productive gives you a sense of achievement and happiness.
Websites That are Worth Blocking
When trying to boost productivity at work, it’s important to know which specific categories of websites you should restrict access to. By doing so, you can reduce the temptation to visit non-work related sites and stay focused on important tasks. Here are some categories to block:
Social Media
Social media is a productivity killer. Blocking these sites will stop you checking updates and notifications and stay focused on work. Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are the best examples.
Streaming Services
Streaming services like YouTube, Netflix and Hulu offer endless options for entertainment during work hours. Restricting access to these online services will stop you taking long breaks and staying on task.
News Websites
While it’s important to stay informed, frequent visits to news websites like CNN, BBC and New York Times can disrupt your workflow. Disabling access to these sites will prevent you from checking updates so you can focus more on your work.
Online Shopping
Online shopping sites are tempting during work hours, especially when there are on-going promotions or discounts. You need to limit access to sites like Amazon, eBay and Etsy to stop yourself from making impulse purchases and save time for more productive things.
Gaming Sites
Gaming sites like Steam, Miniclip, and Kongregate are definitely not in your whitelist as these can eat up a lot of time and worsen your productivity. You need to avoid participating in such online activities and keep the work environment professional.
Forums and Message Boards
Forums and message boards can lead to long off topic discussions. Good examples of these are Reddit, Quora and Stack Overflow (those non-work related threads). It’s best to keep conversations about work-related matters and veer away from sites that will give you a platform to talk about unproductive things.
Tips to Stay Focused
Blocking these websites alone won’t be effective if you’re not doing other things to help you stay focused at work. With so many distractions around, it can be really tough. Here are some practical and effective tips to help you stay focused and productive:
Set Specific Goals
Start each day by setting specific goals. Break down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and rank them. This gives you a clear plan and keeps you on track.
Create a Workspace
Designate a work area free from distractions and make sure that it’s tidy and has everything that you need. A clean space can help you concentrate.
Time Management Techniques
Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique where you work for 25 minutes and take a 5 minute break. This method helps you stay focused and avoid burnout.
Don’t Multitask
It’s best to focus on one task at a time, instead of juggling multiple tasks. You see, multitasking reduces productivity and increases errors. When you complete one task before moving to the next, you’ll be able to monitor the quality of your work.
Schedule Breaks
Taking breaks is also important for you to stay focused. Short breaks give your mind a rest and recharge, so you stay productive throughout the day.
Be Mindful
Incorporate mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or meditation into your daily habits. These can reduce stress and improve focus so you can stay present and focused.
Manage Those Notifications
Turn off non-essential notifications on your devices to minimize interruptions. Check your emails and messages at specific times to keep the workflow smooth.
Stay Hydrated and Healthy
A healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced diet and enough hydration can impact your ability to focus. Physical health directly affects mental clarity and productivity.
Take Control of Your Workspace
Blocking distracting websites will change your workday, and you’ll notice the positive changes. You’ll be able to focus more, be more productive, and experience less stress. Choose a website blocker that fits you and be sure to customize it to your work habits. Sooner or later, you’ll be reaping the benefits of a more productive workspace.
So don’t wait to take control of your productivity. Take control of your workspace by knowing which websites are distracting at work and start blocking them. Begin now and see the difference in your work!
