How to limit interruptions throughout your work day…

Do you have trouble getting through even an hour of work without someone barging through your door, stopping at your desk or calling you and asking you questions?  If it feels as though you have so much to do, yet you cannot get one single task actually completed, try a few of these tips to avoid unwanted interruptions…

• Block out Time on intranet calendars or simply, turn off your email– If you know you have an important meeting to prepare for or a huge project that needs your undivided attention an easy way to avoid interruptions is to log your “Do Not Disturb” time on the company intranet calendar OR you can send a company-wide email stating that you will be turning off your email for a period of time to give the proper attention to your work.
• Create “How To” Guides for Frequently Asked Questions – This may seem time-consuming, but if you are the “Go-To” person for a certain task in your agency, it may be beneficial to create a guide for questions that you get asked on a regular basis.  Make sure this ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ guide is easily accessible to your co-workers.
• Let your phone ring every once in a while – If you have blocked a time to solely work on an important project, it is OK every once in a while to let your phone go to voicemail unless you know that the reason for the call is urgent.  Be sure to leave a clear and concise away message on your voicemail letting people know you will be unable to answer calls at a specific time and also make sure you CALL THE PERSON BACK if you do allow it to go to voicemail.

Of course, trying out these three simple techniques will not ensure that you never get interrupted, but letting people know you have an important task to get done will help avoid the unnecessary interruptions.

We’d love to hear from you!  Post the techniques you use to avoid unnecessary interruptions throughout your work day on our Facebook Timeline to be entered into our raffle for a free $50.00 Gas Card!  Hurry up, the raffle ends Thursday, May 3, 2012!

Keep up to date with what’s new at New Empire Group, Ltd. by visiting our website, www.NewEmpireGroup.com or find us on Facebook, LinkedIn & Twitter!

Check out the great Insurance Programs for Condominium Insurance, Cooperative Insurance, Apartment Insurance and Property Manager’s Insurance that New Empire Group, Ltd. offers!