How to…work in a noisy, distracting office

As many of us return to the office after almost two years at home, we will have to relearn how to cope in a distracting space.

“Our remote work settings weren’t always havens of peace but many of us adjusted. Now, sitting near our co-workers again feels odd: there’s so much movement, collaboration and talk,” says Giant Leap director Linda Trim.

She advises:

• You may need to develop a signal that shows you may not be obviously busy, but do not want to be disturbed. If you have an office with a door, you can shut it, but those in open-plan offices will need to show they are busy — headphones are one way;

• These plans only work if you stick to them yourself, so be strict about not getting distracted when you are in “do not disturb”mode;

• Some companies are setting up quiet work spaces. “Many are putting in focus rooms to allow people to work uninterrupted or to take Zoom calls in the office”;

•If you have a hybrid schedule, you could do the work that requires concentration when you are home; and

•You need to find time to bond with colleagues. Make plans to have coffee to re-establish relationships.