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Exacerbated by the proliferation of open space environments, interruptions are an ever-present, inevitable daily reality.  Here are ways to give yourself privacy and uninterrupted quiet when you need it.

If you have a door, close it.

• Turn your back to the main thoroughfare to avoid eye contact with passersby.
• Don’t answer your phone, including your mobile.
• Turn off email, text and message notifications.
• Reserve a conference room or empty office.
• Utilize space on a different floor or at a different worksite.
• Work from home.
• Establish a pattern:  set aside a specific time and during which you wont’ be available.  Tell those who need to know.
• If you are interrupted, say, “I’ll be back by…, so unless this is a major emergency, let’s talk then.”