How to Concentrate in the Workplace

How to Concentrate in the Workplace

It would seem that concentration is a rare commodity nowadays.

We’re more willing to be distracted by the ‘shiny-shiny’ than ever before.

There’s so much vying for our attention whether we’re at home or at work.

Short attention spans might be down to our fast paced, digitised world but concentration in the workplace is still important.

The good news is that your ability to concentrate is not an innate gift that you either have or you don’t.

It’s a normal, everyday skill and there are plenty of ways to improve it. Here’s how:

  1. Centre Yourself

It sounds a little new world but a quick jump into the realm of mindfulness can actually help you get ready for the task ahead of you.

Sit with your back straight and your hands cupped gently in your lap.

Close your eyes and take two or three mindful breaths, concentrating on nothing else.

This should help you to centre yourself and prepare you for what you need to do, a bit like taking a deep breath before jumping off the high board.

  1. Focus is Important

While it’s a bit like saying chocolate is vital to a Kit-Kat, understanding what you are focusing on and why is important.

Distractions can get in the way of any task in the workplace but if you have a solid connection with what you are trying to achieve and a clear focus on the end result it can help keep you on track.

  1. Getting Rid of Distractions

According to some research, we can spend as much as 2 hours a day on social media and that includes while we’re at work.

If you want to really improve your concentration, turn off your smartphone and don’t check your emails for at least half an hour while you get the job done.

You’ll actually be surprised how distractions like this can eat into your productivity and how things dramatically improve once you get rid of them.

  1. Caffeine and Concentration

Getting some coffee inside you does, in fact, give you a concentration boost according to the research.

Too much, however, can make you a little jittery and have the opposite effect.

If you find yourself flagging, something that often happens in the afternoon following lunch, a quick cuppa can add a little extra gusto to your concentration quotient.

  1. Create a Work Friendly Atmosphere

There are external forces that work against concentrating on an important task.

You might, for example, want to take a look at the temperature in the office.

Too warm and you can feel drowsy, too cold and you may also be unable to focus.

Background noise can also be an issue.

A lot depends on how you concentrate better in the workplace – some people like to put on the music, others prefer a completely quiet environment.

Find what works for you and create the environment that allows you to concentrate better.

  1. Taking Breaks

Anyone who offers advice about improving productivity will mention taking regular breaks.

It gives you the chance to step away and refocus before coming back with renewed energy.

However good we are at concentrating, we all loose focus over time.

The key here is to build in distractions which keep your concentration at a maximum while your doing a set task.

Get up and make a coffee, stretch your legs, anything, just take a quick break.

Then get back to work.

  1. Be Healthy

Finally, we all know that when we’re feeling healthy we tend to perform better.

Making the right food choices and getting enough exercise all build up our stamina and our ability to concentrate.

If you are having trouble with focusing at work, it might be time to take a look at your own wellbeing and see if there aren’t a few things you can do to be more active as well as a healthier eater.

Share:

Facebook
LinkedIn
read on

Related Posts

ideas for life

Ideas for life – no more resolutions

Why most of us fail? If you are in the incredible 20% of people who hit their resolutions every year, congratulations! You are a rare breed 🙌🥳👏 For the rest of us, it is mostly a journey downwards into a spiral of failure, guilt, and frustration which circles back to thinking less of ourselves and hardly ever making us feel good or achieve anything meaningful. Most of us fail for three main reasons: Lack of clarity, Unreasonable expectations, and Lack of inspiration or passion.

employee wellbeing

Employee Wellbeing

The link between employee wellbeing and productivity is well established but, as we move into the post-pandemic phase, it will be harder than ever for managers to keep the two in harmony.

Stress management strategies using EI

Stress management strategies using EI

Have authentic, emotionally intelligent relationships with people. Associate with those whose company you enjoy and who support you. Authenticity requires self-awareness and emotional expression so that when in conversation with an individual you are able to share your feelings openly, including any distractions impairing your ability to concentrate on them.

stress factors

Stress factors and coping techniques

How can we avoid distress?

We cannot. However, we can learn techniques to keep distress to a minimum by increasing our coping strategies. We can also use eustress appropriately in our occupations to improve our performance and inspire others.

SALE NOW ON 15% OFF ALL COURSES EXCL MONTHLY PLANS
Browse our courses
cmi logo
OTHM Qualifications Logo

High impact, virtual micro-learning for maximum output. All programmes are £100 and can be toped up to a full CMI Level 5 Qualification.

For all levels of managers, fully accredited qualifications to supercharge careers and earning power.

Aimed at leaders managing projects, although the qualification is also open to learners wishing to build on their general management skills.

For all types of consultants, either wishing to enter the field or already working and looking to develop into strategic roles.

For all types of leaders looking to develop their leadership and communications skills, and nurture and build effective and functional teams. 

Browse our courses

High impact, virtual micro-learning for maximum output. All programmes are £100 and can be toped up to a full CMI Level 5 Qualification.

For all levels of managers, fully accredited qualifications to supercharge careers and earning power.

Courses available with CMI & PRINCE2 Frameworks.

For all types of consultants, either wishing to enter the field or already working and looking to develop into strategic roles.

For all types of leaders looking to develop their leadership and communications skills, and nurture and build effective and functional teams.