How Do Digital Business Professionals Manage Work Interruptions? A Pilot Study on Coping Strategies

The integration of digital technologies has transformed modern business practices, offering both productivity gains and interruptions (e.g., due to instant messages). Interruption science examines the prevalence of interruptions that have emerged particularly in the digital business environment, where digital technology can serve as both an enabler and a disruptor. With respect to digital technologies’ role as disruptor, evidence indicates a high potential to disrupt workflows, impair cognitive functions, and undermine productivity and well-being. To understand how digital business professionals cope with work interruptions, our pilot study examines the coping strategies used to manage work interruptions and the factors that influence interruption management decisions. Based on interview data collected from 10 professionals working in Austrian companies and analyzed qualitative content analysis, we identify 13 coping strategies grouped into three overarching categories: organizational (e.g., offering self-management courses), personal (e.g., avoiding unnecessary information and communication technologies during task performance), and technological (e.g., adjusting user status in information and communication technologies). Moreover, we outline 7 factors that influence interruption management decisions (e.g., current task activity and workload). Overall, our study provides insights into how individuals cope with interruptions, which can inform the development of strategies to enhance productivity and well-being.