The University of Southern California states that one of the biggest challenges that they face is constant interruption which makes it way more difficult to get into the productivity flow as a result. 

If you’re a small business owner with a similar problem, you’ll most definitely benefit from the following report on an audit that was done by a small business owner who decided to increase privacy in their business in order to increase employee satisfaction and overall productivity.

Here are some tips you should consider:

Notice the Signs

There are many nonverbal signs that people can use to show that they would like some privacy. 

If there’s no door for someone to close everybody else out, then they could simply put on some earbuds as an indication that they would like some privacy. 

Some people may also face away from others or sit behind a large plant or behind a large monitor to show that they would rather be alone. 

You can also hide under the desk if you like. Really, anything goes so long as you don’t disrupt the workplace. 

Don't Force Things

Instead of trying to force a solution, cultivate a work environment that offers equal opportunity to collaborate or enjoy privacy. 

Listen to your employees so you can understand their needs. You could create a mix of work phone booths for phone call privacy, as well as an open lounge area for collaboration purposes.

Don’t Put Glass Walls

Glass walls have become more popular partly due to their aesthetic appeal and also because they promote transparency. 

But, this can cause the “fishbowl” effect where employees end up feeling like goldfish stuck in a bowl. 

Offer Options

Give people options when it comes to the places in which they can work and be productive. 

Create quiet zones such as phone booths that guarantee privacy and ensure that everyone can have a quiet time when they need it. 

If you have larger offices for your executives, then you can also make those available to the rest of the staff as extra quiet zones when their occupants are away on business trips. 

According to Office Evolution, an empty private office can be a great place to take conference calls or take quick team meetings when it’s available. 

Close the Door When Needed

In addition to creating a work environment that promotes privacy, collaboration, and productivity, it’s important to set an example as an entrepreneur by showing your employees how to strike a balance between the two. 

As a leader, your door should always be open and you must be willing to communicate with employees and give them a chance to ask questions, make comments, raise concerns, or just chat with you. 

However, you should also close your door when dealing with a sensitive human resource issue, taking an important conference call, or having a meeting with an important client. 

Basically, walk the talk and make sure that you are actually exemplifying what it is that you’re asking from your employees.