I’ll be the first to admit it — my smartphone is always within arm’s reach. Whether I’m answering emails, jumping into a Teams call or quickly checking the news, it’s a constant companion. As helpful as it can be, a smartphone can easily chip away at productivity.
The good news? With a few simple settings — and a little intention — we can turn our phones from a source of distraction into a powerful tool for getting things done.
The distraction we don’t always notice
It’s easy to lose track of how often we reach for our phones. Business News Daily reports that the average employee checks their phone 96 times a day — about every 10 minutes. And every time we’re pulled away, it can take up to 23 minutes to fully refocus. That adds up quickly — more than two hours a day lost to non-work-related activities like texting, scrolling social media or online shopping.
Small tweaks, big impact
Many phones have built-in features that prioritize focus. On iPhones, using Focus Mode during the workday silences personal notifications but still lets important work alerts come through. Android users have similar options, like Work Profiles that keep personal and professional apps separate.
For moments when you really need to concentrate, like working under a deadline, try using Guided Access. It locks your phone into just one app and keeps me from hopping over to social media “just for a second.” Android users have a similar functionality with App pinning.
Better collaboration, less burnout
While smartphones are how many of us stay connected, all those notifications can be overwhelming. Those who use Slack can automatically sync your calendar so that it updates when you are in a meeting. Microsoft Teams also has a great Quiet Time feature to prevent late-night work interruptions. It’s about setting boundaries that let you be both responsive and well-rested.
Let your phone handle the routine stuff
I’ve also started exploring automation tools that save time and streamline my day. Apps like Shortcuts on iPhone or Bixby Routines and Tasker on Android can do things like convert a file to PDF with a tap or send reminders when I arrive at the office. These smart tools act like a digital assistant, and they’re a glimpse into the future of AI-powered productivity.
The bottom line
At the end of the day, our phones aren’t the problem — it’s how we use them. With a little thought and the right settings, they can help us stay organized, focused and connected.
Editor’s note: Susan Anable is Cox’s Phoenix market vice president. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.
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