How to Stay Focused in Open Offices

Open-plan offices and coworking spaces offer many advantages, from spontaneous collaboration to a vibrant community atmosphere. However, the same openness that fosters connection can also introduce distractions that make deep focus challenging. Here are practical strategies for staying productive in shared environments.

Understanding the Distraction Problem

Research from the University of California, Irvine, found that it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to return to a task after an interruption. In an open office, interruptions can come from conversations, phone calls, foot traffic, or even the ping of a Slack notification.

The key is not to eliminate all distractions, which is neither possible nor desirable, but to manage them effectively. The goal is to create pockets of uninterrupted time within your day while remaining accessible for collaboration when needed.

Use Noise-Canceling Headphones

This is perhaps the most effective single tool for focus in an open environment. Good noise-canceling headphones reduce ambient noise by up to 30 decibels, creating a personal sound bubble that makes it much easier to concentrate.

Pair your headphones with the right audio. Many people find that music with lyrics is distracting, while instrumental music, ambient soundscapes, or white noise can enhance focus. Apps like Noisli, Brain.fm, and Focus@Will offer soundscapes specifically designed to support concentration.

Wearing headphones also serves as a social signal. In most coworking cultures, headphones indicate that someone is in focus mode and should not be interrupted for casual conversation.

Establish Focus Rituals

Before starting a deep work session, create a ritual that signals to your brain that it is time to concentrate. This might include closing unnecessary browser tabs, putting your phone in a drawer or on Do Not Disturb mode, filling your water bottle, and setting a timer.

Some coworking spaces offer focus rooms or phone booths that provide complete privacy for periods of deep work. If your space has these, use them for your most demanding tasks. Reserve open areas for work that benefits from ambient energy, like responding to emails or brainstorming.

Communicate Your Availability

Many focus problems in open offices stem from unclear boundaries. If you are working on something important, let your colleagues know. A simple status message on Slack, a sign on your desk, or a quick verbal heads-up can prevent unnecessary interruptions.

Some teams adopt a traffic light system. A green indicator means you are available for conversation, yellow means approach only for urgent matters, and red means you are in deep focus mode. This system removes the ambiguity that leads to frequent interruptions.

Take Strategic Breaks

Counterintuitively, taking regular breaks can improve your focus during work periods. The brain is not designed for sustained attention over many hours. Short breaks every 60 to 90 minutes allow your cognitive resources to refresh.

Use breaks to move your body, get a coffee, or chat with a colleague. These social interactions satisfy the need for connection and make it easier to return to focused work. The coworking kitchen or lounge area is perfect for these brief recharging moments.