People + Process = Performance

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Digital Distraction (Part 2)

In part one I discussed the findings of a new study that looked at the effects on performance simply from notifications from your phone—be it a chime or vibrating buzz.  The results were similar to that seen in texting and driving—distraction.  Although the study participants didn’t physically engage with their phone when they received the notifications, their mind engaged enough to lower their performance.  With this in mind, do employers need to consider even greater prohibitions on cell phones at work, especially for positions that require a high level of concentration?

 

Digital Distraction: The Cost of Attention & Productivity from Receiving a Cell Phone Notification (Part 1)

It’s been proven repeatedly through research and is one of the guiding principles of human factors that we don’t multitask well.  We can’t do two things well at one time and when we switch from one task to another it costs us time as we refocus our efforts and attention.  This is why we sometimes will turn down the radio/TV or keep our phones in our pocket or maybe place them screen down when we want to concentrate on something.  However, a recent study has shown that unless your phone is fully off or silenced it is still distracting you.  The familiar chime or vibrating buzz of a new notif