27/10/2025

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Home Office vs. Office: Where Distraction Really Hides

In This Episode

With Marijana (BDR) we unpack why distraction is so persistent at work — and how to separate conscious from unconscious triggers. Using real-life situations (notifications, phone, colleagues, breaks), we outline simple routines that make focus your default again.

The value of this episode: clear, practical rules for notifications, micro-breaks, daily planning, and setting boundaries — tailor-made for call-heavy roles (BDR/SDR) and useful for all knowledge work.

Read Time

5 min

We discuss

  • Home office vs. office: same root cause, different surface

  • Collective pressure in the office: shared focus helps — small talk can derail

  • Definitions: conscious vs. unconscious distraction (and what “intent” really means)

  • Phone as Distraction #1 — content > device: social media, messages, newsletters

  • Managing notifications: mute Teams/Slack, exceptions, work focus mode on the phone

  • “Distraction Check” game: is this scenario pro focus or contra?

  • During calls: everything off — why split attention weakens conversations

  • Micro-breaks over lunch slumps: 5–10 minute resets after intense meetings

  • Morning planning: evening calendar scan, 1–3 priorities in the morning

  • Task sorting: quick tasks now, deep work in batches; an “overdue day” for backlogs

  • Multitasking & tabs: many open is fine — if you close and sort intentionally

  • Music vs. background TV: what might work for repetitive tasks

  • “Window staring” as mini-meditation: let your mind idle instead of doomscrolling

  • Setting boundaries with teammates: a polite “later” isn’t rude

  • Phone-free zones & phone boxes: rules that reduce temptation

  • Life before smartphones vs. now: what to reclaim on purpose

Show Notes

Home office vs. office: different surface, same mechanics

Distractions exist everywhere; they just look different. Social focus helps at the office; at home it’s the doorbell, neighbors, chores.

  • Office has a “pull along” effect toward focus.

  • At home, unplanned interruptions stretch out.

  • In both places the phone is the common driver.

Conscious vs. unconscious: a pragmatic split

Conscious = you invite the distraction. Unconscious = it happens to you.

  • Ask: “Was this my choice — or did I get pulled in?”

  • For unconscious: limit politely (“happy to chat later — in focus now”).

  • For conscious: add friction (see notifications).

Notifications & focus modes

Silence by default; exceptions on purpose — especially during calls/briefings.

  • Mute Teams/Slack; let only “urgent” through.

  • Phone work mode: private apps off, close family allowed.

  • Two monitors can help — only if used intentionally.

Phone & social: source #1

It’s not the device; it’s the content. “Just checking the time” turns into the feed.

  • Put the phone out of sight; use a box/another room.

  • Keep social apps out of core hours; evenings are fine — intentionally.

  • Close shopping/news tabs; keep a later list.

Micro-breaks beat lunch comas

Short resets outperform long breaks.

  • 5–10 minutes: coffee, water, quick movement — then continue.

  • Skip “reward feeds”; a window gaze works better.

  • After >60 minutes of meetings, plan a tiny reset.

Daily planning & priorities

Evening scan, morning fine-cut.

  • Night before: review calendar; spot blockers.

  • Morning: define 1–3 tasks; time-box (e.g., 10–12).

  • Break big tasks; note loose ends.

Task sorting & bundling overdues

Handle quick tasks now; batch deep work and clean up backlogs on a set day.

  • An “overdue day” clears mental RAM.

  • Use quieter days to sweep legacy items.

  • Estimate duration: <30 min now, >60 min schedule.

Multitasking, tabs & background noise

Many tabs are okay if you close deliberately. Music distracts more than low TV.

  • Repetitive work + soft music can work; deep work prefers silence.

  • TV/podcast as “white noise” helps some — test it.

  • If it hooks you, kill it — it’s distraction.

Setting boundaries with colleagues

Interruptions don’t have to sprawl.

  • Try: “I’m in a focus block — 4pm okay?”

  • Don’t shut people down — defer; make focus normal.

  • Return at the promised time.

Phone-free zones & simple rules

Rules beat willpower.

  • Phone box until lunch; meetings without phones.

  • Meals without screens — presence trains discipline.

  • Define clear exceptions for emergencies (e.g., family).

Key takeaways

  1. Distractions are inevitable — rules are optional; choose them.

  2. Think conscious vs. unconscious: decision vs. event.

  3. Mute by default; keep exceptions tight.

  4. Micro-breaks outperform long lunches for performance.

  5. Evening scan + morning priorities give structure and speed.

  6. Bundle work: an overdue day clears the deck.

  7. Phone out of sight — social content is the real trigger.

  8. Set polite boundaries: focus blocks are culture, not ego.

Pull quotes

“The phone is distraction #1 — not because of the device, but because of the content.”
“Rules beat willpower: mute notifications, keep exceptions tight.”
“Short resets after intense work beat one long lunch break.”

Guest

Marijana — BDR
Dominka — Host

FAQ

How do I tell conscious from unconscious distraction?
Conscious means you invite it (phone, chat, feed). Unconscious means it happens to you (colleague drops by, doorbell rings). For unconscious: limit politely. For conscious: create rules (phone away, notifications off).

Should I allow notifications during calls?
No. Split attention weakens conversations. Silence everything and allow only true emergencies. Catch up right after the call.

Long lunch or several micro-breaks?
Multiple short resets (5–10 min) usually work better — especially after >60 min meetings. They prevent the slump and keep focus fresh.

How do I handle many tabs and tasks?
Sort deliberately: quick items now, deep items scheduled. Close tabs regularly, keep a later list, and plan a weekly or monthly “overdue day” to clean up.