Driven to Distraction – Why Your Staff May Be Underperforming
Driven to Distraction: Why Your Team Might Be Underperforming
Are you easily distracted?
Since the beginning of time, leaders have sought ways to keep their teams focused, productive, and engaged. In today’s world, where hybrid and remote work are now part of everyday life, distraction has taken on a new meaning.
“I get more done without office noise.”
“I can’t concentrate at home—too many distractions.”
Sound familiar?
So, what’s really pulling your team’s attention away? Is it their phone? Email? A barking dog?
Probably all of the above.
With our team now back in the office—and, truthfully, more motivated than ever—it got me thinking: why is distraction less of a problem when people feel focused and driven?
Why do external distractions carry less weight when motivation is high?
That’s when it hit me: the phone, the dog, the social media scrolling—they’re not the distraction.
They’re the escape from it.
Distraction isn’t the notification. It’s the discomfort that drives someone to pick up the phone in the first place. The real cause is deeper—more internal.
Here are three common, underlying causes of distraction that might be affecting your team’s performance:
1. Uncertainty Around Role or Task
When someone isn’t 100% sure what they should be doing—or how to do it—they’re more likely to avoid the task altogether. Instead of asking for clarity, they turn to something easier and more familiar, like their phone or inbox.
The fix? Clear direction helps, of course—but the real solution lies in open communication. Create a culture where asking questions is encouraged, not frowned upon. Check in regularly and make sure your team feels supported.
2. Disconnection from Goals
When people lose sight of the bigger picture—whether that’s personal career growth or company-wide objectives—they’re more likely to drift. Without a goal in mind, the daily grind can feel aimless. And when something feels meaningless, it’s easy to turn your attention elsewhere.
You can prevent this with regular catch-ups. Not formal performance reviews—just genuine check-ins. Ask your team how they’re feeling about their progress. Remind them of the impact their work has and reconnect them with both their personal goals and the company’s vision.
3. Lack of Challenge (aka Boredom)
Let’s be honest: boredom is a productivity killer. If the work feels too easy or monotonous, the brain naturally looks for something more stimulating. And distraction happily fills that void.
To avoid this, ensure your team is being challenged and engaged. Provide opportunities to grow, solve problems, and learn. A mix of enjoyment and challenge keeps the mind active—and less likely to wander.
We all get distracted from time to time. That’s human. And yes, taking regular breaks is healthy and necessary.
But there’s a difference between a break and an escape.
As a leader, it’s worth reflecting: are distractions in your workplace a sign of something deeper? If your team is disengaging, it’s likely not about Instagram or email—it’s about uncertainty, disconnection, or boredom.
Tackle those root causes, and you’ll see performance improve.
So—when are you most distractible?
Awareness is the first step to overcoming it. Whether your team is in the office, remote, or hybrid, staying focused takes intention.
Want more leadership insights? Take a look at my other posts on LinkedIn—or drop a comment below to join the conversation. And if you’d like to talk recruitment, the Certus team is always here to help.
