For most people, getting interrupted by someone at work is extremely frustrating, stressful, and annoying. But is it all right to feel so? In most cases, workplace interruptions are essential as they provide real-time collaboration opportunities and relevant information. Moreover, the technological advancements with Zoom, Slack, and other modern-age communication tools make it easier to connect with people when required.
Recent research studies reveal that interruptions at work should not be unpleasant. In a recent survey, experts observed that most people have started perceiving interruptions positively compared to negative ones. Now, the question is that why someone would feel good about getting interrupted? A recent study observed that participants reported positive interruptions; they experienced the emotions of satisfaction, excitement, and happiness with those interruptions. But it is essential to understand that to create positive experiences. It is first necessary to know how that particular interruption affects our work.
Here we have listed a few strategies from experts at Global Investment Strategies to lead positive experiences with interruption. In addition, they may help you to ensure an optimized office environment.
Assess the priority of the task
People may consider interruptions at work worthwhile when the reported task is essential, especially compared to what they are already doing. So, before you interrupt someone, assess how critical the job in your hand is and whether what you expect them to do is actually or priority for them or not.
Don’t create an overload.
Observations also state that people perceive interruptions negatively when some work pops up when they are already exhausted with loads of work. Therefore, to avoid piling up, it is better to question yourself if you are aware of the current workload of that person. If you already know they are over-occupied, consider someone else for your task, or you can wait until there is some space on their plate.
Look for the right person to interrupt
People find it annoying when interrupted by a wrong task that is not a part of their job. It is not a good idea to put your work on others. Also, it is essential to analyze who is the right person to handle the responsibility associated with that interruption. If you knock on the wrong person’s door, you will likely get frustrating looks.
Choose right time
To ensure that your interruption is perceived positively, you need to ensure that you go ahead with it at the right time. It means waiting for the right moment when the person you wish to interrupt is not heavily indulged in some other task. Pay attention to the signals, and then plan your action.
Besides this, you can warn the person about the interruption so they can be prepared to face it. This way, you can avoid creating a sudden load on their minds.