survey results: email and other digital distractions

finance and accounting professionals are hooked on email. and it’s a daily problem.

the highlights from our survey so far:
• 79% of our respondents check email at least hourly.
• web surfing and listening to music are among the top distractions.
• 60% indicate distractions are a chronic problem.
• two of the other biggest distractions are phone calls and co-workers.

note: early data. final results may vary. copyright 2007 bay street group llc

click here to join the survey.

how do you stay focused? (comments)
• i don’t, are you kidding! i’m responding to your e-mail!!!
• i block out time on my calendar where i don’t check e-mail or answer my phone. if i really need to focus i shut my door as well.
• play music softly to drown out the noises outside my office; if it’s been a distracting week, i’ll work for a few extra hours on the weekend to make up for the downtime
• by planning and structure.
• try to ignore the notifications
• close my door, tackle many small tasks or find things to delegate
• ignore the casual chatter-chatter outside my office.
• eyes glued to computer.
• put my phone on do not disturb and shut my door. a few still don’t get the hint and knock.
• task lists
• close the door, don’t check email and avoid surveys
• maintain a detailed to-do list
• work on weekends and at nights on larger and more difficult file reviews
• i don’t very well, multitasking it the way to go.
• each morning make a list of what is important to get done that day and stay with those items. try to limit e-mail distractions by reading messages completely 4 x per day, but this is tough.
• tune out or turn off everything
• make a list, pick one task at a time and focus on it!
• reorganize what i am working on
• to do lists
• make to do lists.
• doing what needs to be done to complete the task, which usually includes emails.
• just try to concentrate whenever i can.
• drink
• with a to do list
• practice