A detailed survey reveals UK workers lose up to 15 hours weekly to distractions.
- Over two-thirds of workers feel distracted during their workday.
- Remote workers fare worse than office staff, often distracted for longer periods.
- Chatty colleagues emerge as the number one distraction in workplaces.
- Music may help improve concentration, having a significant role in work productivity.
A recent survey conducted by PPL PRS highlights a pervasive issue among UK workers: distractions in the workplace are leading to a substantial loss in productivity. According to findings, over two-thirds (67%) of employees find that distractions interrupt their work day. Notably, more than one in six workers (15%) report nearly a third of their working day wasted due to distractions, equating to approximately two hours each day and potentially 74 days over a year.
The survey comprised 2,000 UK professionals from various sectors such as accounting and law. Results indicate that distractions differ significantly between office and remote work environments. Office workers seem to encounter fewer distractions, with a third (33%) stating they are interrupted for 30 minutes or less daily. In contrast, over a quarter (26%) of remote workers acknowledge being distracted for around an hour each day.
The primary distractor varies by location. For office-based employees, 38% cite colleagues’ conversations as the leading distraction. For those working remotely, the temptation to check phones poses the greatest challenge, affecting 27% of respondents. Overall, talking among colleagues stands out as the top distraction (41%), with many admitting they engage in conversations themselves (37%), sometimes contributing to the problem.
Deborah Green, a leadership coach at PPL PRS, explains the reasons behind these workplace distractions. She notes the return to physical workplaces has rekindled social interactions that can inadvertently lead to conversations veering away from work tasks. Green emphasises the need for leaders to steer focus back to work through methods like regular team huddles and implementing music as a focus tool. “Using music judiciously can enhance productivity, although it requires careful planning to avoid becoming another form of distraction,” she advises.
Indeed, music seems to be a solution for many workers seeking improved concentration. The survey shows that 80% of respondents believe music aids in their focus, with distinct genres such as pop, chillout, and RnB being recommended for optimal engagement. Tasks like administrative duties and emailing are notably more manageable with a musical backdrop, reported by 59% and 43% of workers, respectively. Music therapist Marianne Rizkallah explains that the predictability of pop and the calming effects of chillout music can create conducive work environments free from external noise distractions.
However, leaders must carefully curate this auditory experience, considering elements such as genre and volume. Some employees, as the survey reveals, find silence more distracting, as it can lead to boredom and overthinking. Thus, creating balanced audio environments tailored to different work tasks and personal preferences may be key to reducing distraction and improving overall productivity in the workplace.
Addressing workplace distractions through environmental adjustments and strategic use of music could enhance productivity.
