Irresponsible Interaction at Work

Why is there so much irresponsible behavior and interaction at work?

We have become a sedentary race. Our greatest resource, our creative minds, have become the avenue for much of our down fall. We are so keen in our problem solving and "better mouse trap" abilities that it is possible to spend the entirety of our work day without moving from our computer workstation.

The return swing of the pendulum is a large portion of our population going quite mad at the lack of physical activity. Human beings have an in born underlying need to move, to touch and handle things and to express themselves physically.

When these urges can no longer be suppressed we categorize people as attention deficit, hyper active and unfocused. At this point they are a distraction and the positive flow of energy in the work place is severely disrupted for all.

What preventative steps can avoid this issue?

1. Movement is a must. Require staff members to take their breaks away from their work station, and on another floor if possible. The movement diffuses anxiety and aids in heightened focus when the break is over.

2. Initiate a walking program. Provide incentives for staff who devote a portion of their lunch break to a measured walking goal. Incentives might include extra lunch break time, early release coupons, even cash incentives pay themselves back in long term benefits to the group.

3. Encourage shared interest groups. Before and after work runner clubs are excellent ways to burn off pent up energies.

What if you take the preventive steps and the disruptions still occur?

1. Remove Distractions. On the surface it may seem counter to the preventative strategies listed above. But closer examination will illuminate the difference. In the preventative steps the person is carrying out the activities, thus it is internal. In this step external stimulation (i.e. distraction is removed).

2. Interval Intensity. Channel high energy people into the most focused activities. This is somewhat like the interval training done by premier athletes in which burst of intense action on alternated with a slower pace.

3. Buffer Zones. High energy people can become anxious and distracting when they complete work ahead of schedule. Provide "Buffer Zones" which are those ongoing projects that must be maintained on an ongoing basis. Professional development plans always need tweaking, client support activities, and project management calendars are always in need of update and revision.

Providing the individuals the opportunity to choose the most productive path, accompanied with redirection and restructuring are the best techniques for this temperament.