---
title: How Distracted Employees Increase Office Productivity
description: Smartphones? Email? Dogs in the office? Believe it or not, these things can actually encourage more, not less, work.
image: https://blog.timesheetmobile.com/hubfs/distracted-employees.jpg
---

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# How Distracted Employees Increase Office Productivity

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If your workplace has gone to the dogs, you just might be onto something. Turns out that things presumed to be distractions–from canines to cell phones–may actually be helping employees get things done.

Just a few short years ago, most pet owners were likely feeling guilty and stressed as they put in long hours at the office while their dog waited at home. [Google](http://www.fastcompany.com/3037384/pet-week/11-famous-companies-with-enviable-pet-friendly-policies) was among the first to offer a solution for dog lovers by adopting an open-door pet policy. Other companies have followed suit allowing furry friends to accompany their owners to the office. From reducing stress to encouraging exercise, [studies](http://www.inc.com/john-mcdermott/study-office-dogs-reduce-work-related-stress.html) are stacking up that dogs are just plain good for business.

Assuming that every ring and ding on an employee's smartphone is related to personal communication will drive any employer crazy. Rather than trying to control and restrict the inevitable usage of mobile devices, employees would encourage their bosses to exercise a little trust. A CareerBuilder [study](http://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?sd=6%2f9%2f2016&siteid=cbpr&sc_cmp1=cb_pr954_&id=pr954&ed=12%2f31%2f2016) found that 55 percent of employers cite smartphone usage as the largest destroyer of productivity in the workplace. Conversely, 66 percent of employees with smartphones admit to using their devices at work several times a day and only and 10 percent say it decreases their productivity. Perhaps many of those calls and emails are work-related after all.

Excessive talking and overflowing inboxes are also thought to be [time-sucking culprits](https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/278361). However, focusing on embracing (rather than eliminating) these distractions could alone boost productivity. Collaborating *with* employees on ideas for increasing office efficiency while promoting work-life balance is a smart strategy. Whatever you do, don't forget the dog treats.\[/vc\_column\_text\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]\[vc\_row\]\[vc\_column\]\[/vc\_column\]\[/vc\_row\]

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[July 05, 2016](https://blog.timesheetmobile.com/how-distracted-employees-increase-office-productivity)in [Employee Management](https://blog.timesheetmobile.com/topic/employee-management)[By Keri Christopherson](https://blog.timesheetmobile.com/author/keri-christopherson)

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