Office distractions can disrupt productivity for both corporate and stay at home workers. When I was working in the corporate world, I found it very hard to concentrate in my cubicle as the co-worker next to me talked loudly or laughed at some silly joke. We have all probably been on that important conference call when the co-worker next to us has some loud and annoying You Tube video playing.

Working from home has been fantastic for me and I love the opportunity it gives my family. I still do have occasional office distractions with the kids that make me want to hide in a closet and work on my laptop. When I was at my corporate office I could reserve a conference room or login from another desk to remove myself from the distraction. What do you do when your kids are the office distraction?

1. Work offline. Take your laptop or notebook to the park while your kids are playing. This will work best if your kids have a friend or two to keep them busy. Call a friend and set-up a play date.

2. Go to the library. My kids love to read and look at new books. Most libraries have internet access and you can easily spend 1-2 hours at a library. Best of all, you can teach your kids the importance of being quiet at the library. When you get home you can read the new books they picked out.

3. Utilize nap time. If you kids still take a nap, make every second count. My kids can take a 2-3 hour nap still. This is the time to follow-up on calls, and get productive. I can always find myself distracted by house projects or thinking about food. Don’t fall for this trap. Stay productive!

Do you have any office distractions that you have overcome at work or at home?