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1800: Distractions and the Open Office Environment by Laura Stack of The Productivity Pro on How to Protect Deep Work

Author
Optimal Living Daily | Dan W.
Published
Thu 04 Sep 2025
Episode Link
None

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Episode 1800:

Laura Stack examines how open office layouts, while designed to boost collaboration, often lead to constant interruptions that drain focus and productivity. She highlights the hidden costs of distractions, offering strategies to manage interruptions, protect deep work, and create a balance between teamwork and individual concentration.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://theproductivitypro.com/blog/2015/02/distractions-and-the-open-office-environment/

Quotes to ponder:

"Studies show that it takes an average of 25 minutes to return to the original task after an interruption."

"Open environments are notorious for their noise and lack of privacy, which can derail even the most focused worker."

"You must set boundaries and use strategies to protect your concentration, or your productivity will suffer."

Episode references:

Peopleware: Productive Projects and Teams: https://www.amazon.com/Peopleware-Productive-Projects-Teams-3rd/dp/0321934113

The Myth of Multitasking: How "Doing It All" Gets Nothing Done: https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Multitasking-Doing-Gets-Nothing/dp/0470372257

The Cost of Interrupted Work: More Speed and Stress: https://www.ics.uci.edu/~gmark/chi08-mark.pdf
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