Protect focused work from even a few seconds of interruption
Interruptions averaging 2.8 seconds doubled subsequent step errors; 4.4 seconds tripled them. In field observation, returning to an interrupted activity took about 25 minutes, with two other activities in between. Interrupted people worked faster but felt more stressed, frustrated and strained.
What it takes
Free. Close a door, put on headphones or display a do-not-disturb sign.
What you may gain
Laboratory interruptions averaging 2.8 seconds doubled errors in sequential tasks; 4.4 seconds tripled them. Field observation of 24 information workers found topic switches about every 11 minutes and interruptions to 57% of work themes. Same-day return to an interrupted theme took an average of 25 minutes 26 seconds, with 2.26 intervening activities. In another experiment with 48 people, interrupted workers completed tasks faster but reported more stress, frustration, time pressure and effort.
Context & considerations
The field study distinguished external interruptions from self-initiated ones. A closed door only blocks the former; combine it with notification control and message batching.
Research & references
Altmann, Trafton & Hambrick (2014). Momentary interruptions can derail the train of thought. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0030986 ; Mark, Gonzalez & Harris (2005). No task left behind? Examining the nature of fragmented work. CHI 2005. https://doi.org/10.1145/1054972.1055017 ; Mark, Gudith & Klocke (2008). The cost of interrupted work: More speed and stress. CHI 2008. https://doi.org/10.1145/1357054.1357072