Badly designed work spaces, the inability to focus and unnecessary distractions are negatively affecting productivity and wellbeing in the workplace. That’s the findings from a Steelcase research report which reveals that workers across the world are overwhelmed by constant distractions. According to Steelcase VP Donna Flynn, the average worker is interrupted or distracted every three minutes and it takes them 23 minutes to return to a task after being disturbed. Findings from the work reveal the brain has finite energy capacity, and uses 20% of the body’s energy, making it physiologically impossible for anyone to engage in eight straight hours of controlled, or focused, attention and meet any quality or quantity outputs. Gavin Phillips is Workplace Consultant for Steelcase Middle East, and told ARN how work spaces should be improved.
Listen

Dubai Humanitarian sends third aid airlift to support Ebola response
Dubai bus and metro stations to provide rest areas for delivery riders
UAE strongly condemns school shooting in Philippines
4 killed due to red light violations in Dubai since start of 2026
UAE response team reviews relief efforts in southern Philippines
Father's Day: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed remembers 'their virtues, their lives'
H.H. Sheikh Mohamed marks Father's Day with tribute to late Sheikh Zayed
Dubai Civility Committee discuss new plans to enhance urban experience
UAE sends more aid to Gaza
Dubai Police busts criminal network pirating premium satellite channels
Abu Dhabi Police warns drivers not to leave flammable items in parked vehicles
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed reviews Abu Dhabi environmental progress
UAE approves innovative treatment for chronic lung conditions
UAE strongly condemns terrorist attack on airport in Niger’s capital
UAE steps up Agentic AI drive for next phase of government transformation
UAE announces visa grace period for those affected by regional disruptions
New bridge linking Dubai Harbour to Sheikh Zayed Road opens
Sharjah introduces high-speed bikes to fight fires
UAE sets 15 as minimum age for social media use
