Numerous distractions interfere with everyday work. Constant emails, to-dos, and competing needs of those with whom we must communicate grab at our attention. If you are only skimming the surface of what has to be accomplished, you may be a victim of a work habit called “reactionary workflow.” Reactionary workflow is responding to what’s constantly in front of you and demanding your attention. The result is only skimming the surface of your to-do list and barely touching the most important work. Reactionary workflow is a problem of the modern workplace because technology keeps a conveyor belt of information, issues, problems, and needs coming at us full speed—both personal and business related— 24/7.

To reduce reactionary workflow, practice these interventions:

• Make a list of absolutely-must-get-done items with the time needed to complete them each day.
• Schedule them. Set blocks of time each day to check/respond to email, return phone calls, work on “must-get-done” items.
• Open your notepad or WordPad tool on your computer and paste incoming urgent items to this list.
• Spend the last hour of your day responding to this list of items.

This system is not a cure-all, but with practice, it can help turn the table on reactionary workflow.

Resource: Frontline—Employee Wellness, Productivity & You! Frontline newsletter is courtesy of the New York State Employee Assistance Program.