Are Smartphones Harming Work Productivity?

Smartphones have become one of the most common – and costly – sources of distraction in today’s workplaces. What was once a focused, collaborative, and impactful environment is now increasingly fragmented by constant notifications and the reflex to check devices.

The scale of distraction

The impact goes far beyond minor interruptions, with research showing that knowledge workers switch tasks every 3 minutes, and once interrupted, it can take up to 23 minutes to fully refocus (Forbes). On average, employees lose around 720 hours each year to workplace distractions (Clockify), with U.S. surveys reporting that as much as 2.5 hours of every workday are spent accessing digital content unrelated to the job (PR Newswire).

The impact on productivity

The effect on productivity is stark: the presence of a personal smartphone can reduce output by up to 40%, with employees checking their devices over 150 times per day – some as often as every six waking minutes (Forbes, Zipdo). Even when phones aren’t in use, their mere presence has been shown to drain brainpower and impair performance (Teen Vogue).

Why it matters

Taken together, these findings demonstrate how smartphones, as ubiquitous as they are, can erode sustained focus, diminish creativity, and fragment the collaborative energy essential to any workplace.

The Royal Court Theatre recently turned to lockable phone pouches to help in their efforts to boost productivity through a reduction in distraction. Writers simply place their phones inside, click to lock, and can only reopen the pouch with a special unlocking device. By removing the temptation to check notifications, the pouches allow writers to stay fully present, focused, and free from digital interruptions.

Since introducing Phone Locker®  pouches, writers have found it easier to immerse themselves in their work without distraction. The pouches have quickly become a valuable resource, supporting creativity and helping maintain the Royal Court’s tradition of producing world-class theatre.

By making phones secure but out of reach, Phone Locker™ helps organisations reclaim focus, boost productivity, and foster collaboration – so teams can do their best work without digital distractions.