Small talk a big problem

Have you ever been sitting at your desk and been overcome by the urge to scream “SHUT UP” at a colleague?

If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Talkative co-workers are the most common distraction for office workers, according to a global poll by recruitment specialist Robert Walters.

When asked their most time-consuming distraction at work, 48 per cent of those polled responded talkative colleagues, 34 per cent said personal email and internet browsing, 8 per cent claimed social-networking sites, 6 per cent smoking breaks and 5 per cent personal calls and/or text messages.

These global results were largely mirrored in Australia, where 50 per cent of professionals polled said talkative colleagues were the most time-consuming office distraction, followed by 38 per cent stating personal email or internet.

Surprisingly however, only 2.5 per cent claimed social-networking sites were the most distractive influence one of the lowest results across the globe, with smoking breaks (5 per cent) and personal calls/text messages (4 per cent) deemed a greater distraction.

“This survey produced some interesting and surprising results,” Robert Walters managing director in Australia James Nicholson says.

“Many organisations presume that social-networking sites and the misuse of internet and email are the most common distractions at work.

“However, it appears that across the globe and throughout Australia talkative colleagues are the most distractive influence.

“Dialogue with colleagues can fuel productivity, but a lot of the time professionals are engaging in conversations that are not relevant, productive or strengthening corporate relationships and networks.

“Of course, the occasional chat during the day can provide a welcome break and increase productivity in the long term, however there is a balance that needs to be struck.”

Article from CareerOne.com.au