Are Workplace Distractions Costing you $$ Hundreds or More?

Why Distraction Management Matters in Business

At C and M Companies Inc., we’re committed to helping you achieve the success you’re working so hard to realize. Whether it’s high-quality payroll management, accurate financial transaction tracking (aka bookkeeping), or digital marketing that gives you the upper hand—we’re here to support your growth.

Recently, I’ve been digging into workplace efficiency. And here’s something that really stood out: Multi-tasking is dead.

What do I mean by that?

It’s no secret that we’re all bombarded by distractions — texts, calls, emails, social media, meetings. These interruptions cost businesses in the U.S. an estimated $650 billion a year in lost productivity. Even worse, studies show it can take 23 minutes or more to refocus after a single interruption.

So here’s what we’re doing about it—and how it can help us serve you better.

We’re implementing something called Focus Blocks.

What are Focus Blocks?

Focus Blocks are scheduled blocks of time dedicated to completing important and critical tasks. The goal is distraction-free time slots to lessen the effects of distractions and interruptions.

For instance, Manny will set aside dedicated blocks of time to perform your QuickBooks Financial Transaction updates or bank reconciliation.

Yours might look like a dedicated “Tailgate Safety Meeting” every Monday at 7:00 – 7:20 AM (OSHA Compliance). During these blocks:

• No meetings
• No phone calls
• No texts
• No emails
• No social media

Just focused, uninterrupted work.

For example, our Monday and Tuesday mornings might look like this:

• 8:30 – 9:00 AM: Morning Contact Window
• 9:00 – 9:10 AM: Short break
• 9:10 – 9:45 AM: Client #1 bookkeeping
• 9:45 – 9:55 AM: Short break
• 9:55 – 10:40 AM: Client #2 bookkeeping
• 10:40 – 10:50: Short break
• 10:50 – 11:30: Client #1 & #3 payroll processing
• 11:30 – 12:30: Lunch break
• 12:30 – 1:30 PM: Email and message response time

The afternoon follows a similar pattern.

This isn’t about being rigid—it’s about being intentional. And it works. By protecting our focus, we can deliver better results, faster turnaround, and fewer errors.

Want to Try It Too?

We’re sharing this because we believe it can help your business too. You’ll need to tailor it to your own operations, but the core idea is simple: protect your focus, and your productivity will follow.

Let’s work together to reduce distractions, improve service, and grow stronger—together. Here is our sample first-draft of a Focus Block Policy:

Example Focus Block Policy

C and M Companies Inc – Focus Blocks Policy — First Draft

Purpose:
To improve productivity and service quality by reducing workplace distractions during critical task periods.

Policy Overview:

1. Definition of Focus Blocks:
   Pre-scheduled time blocks reserved for uninterrupted work on high-priority tasks. These are typically between 30 – 90 minutes. Let’s start with 45 minutes as the middle ground choice.
2. During Focus Blocks:
   • No meetings
   • No phone calls
   • No text messages
   • No emails
   • No social media or non-essential browsing
3. Scheduling:
   • Focus Blocks are scheduled weekly in advance.
   • Breaks of 5–10 minutes are included between blocks.
   • Communication windows (e.g., 12:30–1:30 PM) are designated for responding to messages.
4. Application:
   • Used for tasks such as bookkeeping, payroll processing, and digital campaign execution.
   • Applies to all team members involved in client service delivery.
5. Client Communication:
   • Clients are informed of Focus Block hours and encouraged to adopt similar practices for mutual benefit.

Read our recent post from C & M Bookkeeping about Forensic Accounting here.