Workplace Wellbeing: How to stay focused at work in an age of distraction

In an age when attention is a premium commodity, it's never been easier to be distracted from the task. Instead of lecturing yourself, it's more productive to find a focus technique that works for you, whether it's using a timer, taking regular mini breaks or rewarding your efforts 

Niall O Carroll: “Our breathing is so important. It slows our heart rate and helps us overcome anxiety so that we can focus on the next step we need to take." Picture: Gareth Chaney

We're living in an age of distraction. A survey of 500 office workers in Ireland, carried out by Codex Office Solutions last year, found that our focus is constantly being interrupted.

Some 42% complained of being distracted by phone calls, while another 40% blamed colleagues for breaking their concentration. Email and social media were also criticised, with 28% claiming that receiving emails diverted their attention from work and 27% saying the same about social media notifications.