YoungWorkers

Staying Focused at Work

A distraction is something that interrupts your attention or draws attention away from a task. When workers are distracted, it’s a safety concern that can lead to costly errors, lower productivity, damage to property or products, and even injury or death.

Factors contributing to workplace distractions

Here are some factors that may contribute to workplace distractions
  • Time pressure to get the job done quickly
  • Juggling school and work at the same time
  • Multi-tasking
  • Conflicts with family, friends, or co-workers
  • Fatigue
  • Mundane tasks
  • Stress
  • Daydreaming
  • Clutter (both physical and electronic, such as e-mails and texts)
  • Substance use
  • Use of technology, such as cell phones, headphones, and tablets

What employers can do

  • Follow federal, provincial and territorial labour laws that apply to young workers, paying attention to hours worked, and health and safety for your industry or work environment.
  • Address fatigue through changes to shift scheduling, shift rotation, and assigned tasks. Check that the work environment has adequate lighting, comfortable temperatures, and reduced noise levels.
  • Set realistic deadlines. Plan work to avoid the need to rush or multi-task.
  • Organize work to allow for variety – a change in tasks or positions will help to limit the impact of distractions.
  • Schedule time for workers to maintain a clutter-free workspace, both by clearing their desks, and sorting out priorities through emails and texts.
  • Clearly communicate hazards at work, and the policies, procedures, and precautions to reduce risk of harm.
  • Set guidelines for device use at the workplace, including phones, tablets, and music players.
  • Talk with workers to identify distractions on the job and effective solutions.
  • Provide thorough training to young workers, including hands-on health and safety training for handling potentially hazardous equipment or chemicals.
  • Supervise and mentor young workers so they are comfortable and able to complete their assigned duties safely.
  • Encourage workers to speak up, ask questions, and report hazards, injuries or anything else they feel is unsafe at work.
  • Consider other distractions, such as financial issues, fatigue, and personal issues, or the workers’ education commitments.
  • Address substance use with workers and review any related workplace policies.

What workers can do

  • Be aware of the risks associated with being distracted.
  • Follow your employer’s safe work procedures, including when to use devices, such as phones, tablets, or music players.
  • Pace your work and focus on one task at a time.
  • Take breaks to reduce monotony and repetitiveness.
  • Raise any concerns with your employer about your ability to perform tasks safely when necessary.
  • Participate in any education and training provided by your employer.

What parents can do

  • Talk with your young workers about their jobs and ensure they feel comfortable at work.
  • Encourage them to speak with their supervisor, health and safety representative or committee member if they feel an assigned task is unsafe.
  • Monitor their work hours for proper school- and work-life balance.

More resources

Here are some more resources to help young people stay focused at work
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Share these tips on how to avoid distractions at work so you can do your job safely

Staying Focused at Work Infographics

Adapted to print on 8.5” x 11” paper
[PDF, 214 KB]