With so much time spent in the office, it is inevitable that workplace irritations will develop over time. While these distractions are most often thought of as a negative, a recent Forbes article, entitled Five Workplace Irritations That Can Actually Boost Productivity, proves just the opposite in an interview with Tom Gimbel, president and chief executive of LaSalle Network. He believes these irritants can actually inhibit productivity, by “provoking different facets of your brain, subsequently igniting a flame far quicker than if they weren’t present.”
Here is a brief overview of five workplace irritations that may have the ability to enhance productivity as well as innovation.
1. Sarcastic Criticism
Sarcastic criticism from a coworker or client is often taken as an insult, but Gimbel explains, “When scolded, your sole goal is to do something as you were told so that you’re not reprimanded again,” and “Because you have to peel back the layers of the satirical remarks, your brain is forced to analyze and interpret different possible meanings behind the comments, hence increasing ingenuity and problem-solving skills.” Therefore, although this feedback may initially be irritating, it may inspire an effort to work harder to avoid future criticism and improve problem solving skills.
2. Messy Offices
It seems that a messy office would hinder the ability to be productive, but Gimbel says, “Irritating as it may be, that clutter can actually help you stream line your thoughts and reach your decisions far quicker. Research shows that when you’re surrounded by chaos, your mind simplifies the job at hand.” Thus, if an employee has the ability to maintain an “organized mess” this may actually help them to complete tasks more efficiently.
3. Noisy Distractions
Background noise is often though of as a distraction in the workplace, but Gimbel states, “If you’re in a quiet space, you’re not using your brain at its maximum intellectual capacity–but when tossed into a venue with noise, the bar is set higher, and your brain is being challenged at an entirely new level.” Instead of thinking of noise as a distraction, think of it as a way to enhance focus and creativity by forcing the brain to use more of an abstract thought process.
4. Office Gossip
Appropriate gossip, defined in the article as information that will better the entire organization, has been proven to relieve stress and improve productivity. Gimbel explains, “When you see an employee perform in a poor manner and conceal it, your anxiety skyrockets. As a therapeutic session, gossip allows for you to release the tension and ultimately calms you down.” Therefore, appropriate gossip may be an effective outlet to reduce stress and anxiety, and may lead to a solution for the problem discussed.
5. Lack of Reward
Employees may become frustrated when not recognized or rewarded for accomplishments, but Gimbel believes, “You’re at your most creative competency when you neither expect nor get a reward or bonus. When there’s no compensation, the pressure to perform subsides, and at ease, your mind drifts wherever it wishes.” Hence, simply wanting to complete a project and doing so successfully should be enough of a reward, in some cases.
Click here to read the full article: Five Workplace Irritations That Can Actually Boost Productivity
What are your thoughts on workplace distractions and productivity?