{"id":16648,"date":"2024-04-30T16:41:23","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T21:41:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bbinsurance.com\/?post_type=insight&p=16648"},"modified":"2024-04-30T16:41:23","modified_gmt":"2024-04-30T21:41:23","slug":"distraction-the-silent-killer-of-workplace-relationships","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.bbrown.com\/us\/insight\/distraction-the-silent-killer-of-workplace-relationships\/","title":{"rendered":"Distraction: The Silent Killer of Workplace Relationships"},"content":{"rendered":"

Distraction: The Silent Killer of Workplace Relationships
\n<\/strong>by Julie Turpin, Chief People Officer at Brown & Brown Insurance<\/em><\/p>\n

Distraction has been referred to as the \u201821st-century syndrome<\/a><\/span>.\u2019 Even before the pandemic and debates around remote work culture, modern distractions impacted 62% of the workforce<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

While distraction itself is not a new phenomenon, its prevalence and impact have undeniably intensified with the internet, smartphones, social media and constant connectivity. The modern world is full of channels and responsibilities constantly bidding for our attention, but very few people can multitask effectively.<\/p>\n

Beyond the loss of productivity and a greater chance for error, the real damage of distraction to your career is its impact on your workplace relationships. Divided attention can lead to misunderstandings, missed opportunities for collaboration and disengagement. The effect happens on both ends of the interaction as well.<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re distracted or on the receiving end of a coworker\u2019s or leader\u2019s distraction, you feel it, and when relationships are a primary cornerstone of professional development and progression, so does your career.<\/p>\n

3 INDICATORS OF BEING PRESENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Being present involves three essential verbal and non-verbal elements: words, body language and listening skills.<\/p>\n

The most obvious and active demonstration of presence is our words<\/strong>. The words we use carry weight. They reflect our engagement and understanding of what we are experiencing or what is being communicated to us.<\/p>\n

However, just as important is the presence we display in our non-verbal cues or body language: maintaining eye contact, nodding and leaning forward to demonstrate active participation and attentiveness.<\/p>\n

In today\u2019s virtual work environment, body language<\/strong> includes what is experienced across screens. Turning off the camera is a tactic used by 72% of distracted or multitasking employees<\/a><\/span> on video calls, and for the other members of the call, it is a clear sign of your disengagement.<\/p>\n

Finally, listening skills<\/strong> allow you to be present in words and actions. Active listening is more than just hearing; it requires focused attention on the speaker, comprehension and providing appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses.<\/p>\n

At a recent leadership workshop, I spoke on the importance of being present and mindful at work. As leaders, we can easily assume the role of solver, but our team members often just need us to listen. Active listening is one of the best ways to show our support and a great way to get to the root of any issue or challenge. When you\u2019re listening and asking questions, you can unearth the real problem.<\/p>\n

BEST PRACTICES FOR BEING PRESENT AT WORK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mindfulness is a skill, and like any skill, it needs to be cultivated. Here are five practical ways you can change your habits and mindset to be more present at work:<\/p>\n