Comments on: Interrupting Makers with Meetings http://blogs.popart.com/2009/07/interruptions-and-meetings/ Flashes of Pop, Wit and Reason Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:36:47 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: Sharon Greenfield http://blogs.popart.com/2009/07/interruptions-and-meetings/#comment-561 Sharon Greenfield Tue, 04 Aug 2009 21:37:29 +0000 http://blogs.popart.com/?p=605#comment-561 At Intel we've helped this by having a Work From Home day once a week. This works for most people although not all; less interruptions and no commute time, so more work time. Others work from the cafe for half a day - I know some design engineers that will go to the corner of the cafeteria, put on their headphones and get a lot done - again no phone or walk-by distractions. IM isn't a distraction because the Intel culture really respects the IM settings. If it says 'busy', no one will be bothering you for a quick question except your boss or when there's a major fire to put out. Most of the cultural practices of this kind of major corporation is built around engineers, so obviously it doesn't work for everyone here (myself included at times), nor might it for other different kinds of organizations. But it's something to think about - how does one build a productive culture of actual work v communication? At Intel we’ve helped this by having a Work From Home day once a week. This works for most people although not all; less interruptions and no commute time, so more work time.

Others work from the cafe for half a day – I know some design engineers that will go to the corner of the cafeteria, put on their headphones and get a lot done – again no phone or walk-by distractions.

IM isn’t a distraction because the Intel culture really respects the IM settings. If it says ‘busy’, no one will be bothering you for a quick question except your boss or when there’s a major fire to put out.

Most of the cultural practices of this kind of major corporation is built around engineers, so obviously it doesn’t work for everyone here (myself included at times), nor might it for other different kinds of organizations. But it’s something to think about – how does one build a productive culture of actual work v communication?

]]> By: Portland Copywriter » Blog Archive » Ending Interruptions in the Office http://blogs.popart.com/2009/07/interruptions-and-meetings/#comment-559 Portland Copywriter » Blog Archive » Ending Interruptions in the Office Sat, 01 Aug 2009 18:50:51 +0000 http://blogs.popart.com/?p=605#comment-559 [...] Cross-posted from my Pop Art blog. [...] [...] Cross-posted from my Pop Art blog. [...]

]]> By: Mark Kellar http://blogs.popart.com/2009/07/interruptions-and-meetings/#comment-548 Mark Kellar Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:58:48 +0000 http://blogs.popart.com/?p=605#comment-548 Like you said, I like to find a coffee shop or Library to zone out at and crank away. I find the atmosphere of all the people working with headphones on helpful. I also will often wear headphones in the office (sometimes with no music playing!). I think this sends a message to coworkers that Im in the zone. Like you said, I like to find a coffee shop or Library to zone out at and crank away. I find the atmosphere of all the people working with headphones on helpful.

I also will often wear headphones in the office (sometimes with no music playing!). I think this sends a message to coworkers that Im in the zone.

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