Workplace distractions a growing concern

We’ve all heard the expression “time is money.”

A struggle some employers face daily is getting the most out of their employees during the workday.

With a number of distractions growing exponentially — from the Internet to smartphones to chatty co-workers and private text messages — employers certainly have their work cut out for them.

“If you have two top-level executives and they’re talking for 20 minutes each, that gets expensive,” said Tina Hamilton, president and CEO of hireVision Group in Allentown. “… Distraction in the workplace is definitely growing.”

Details on distractions and other office life factoids all are part of a study released by CareerBuilder, which helps companies target and attract talent. The study tracked responses from more than 3,900 U.S. workers and was conducted online by Harris Interactive last November.

The study outlines things such as worker productivity, the number of hours one spends at his or her desk, work dress codes and more. It can be used by human resources representatives and company management staff to craft policy in regards to employee conduct and productivity and understand what goes on in their offices when they are away.

WORKING WITH DISTRACTIONS

Experts agree that employers can get the most out of their employees by providing a realistic, yet firm policy when it comes to distractions.

According to the CareerBuilder survey, the Internet and smartphones have made it easier than ever for employees to become distracted.

The study found that 38 percent of those responding said they worked for the entirety of their eight-hour work day; 21 percent worked seven hours; 18 percent worked six hours; 11 percent worked five hours; and 12 percent said they worked four hours or less.