Smartphones keep us connected with emails, apps, texts, and calls, but they rarely leave our side—even at work. A study by the University of Würzburg and Nottingham Trent University, conducted for cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, shows these devices can hinder focus and efficiency. Remarkably, participants' productivity rose by 26% when phones were removed from the room.
Researchers tested 95 participants (ages 19-56) in four scenarios: smartphone in pocket, on desk, locked in a drawer, or out of the room entirely. Results confirmed the pattern—the greater the distance, the higher performance. Keeping phones completely out of sight delivered that 26% gain. While phone presence distracts, another study notes their absence can spark mild anxiety, though far less disruptive. The solution? Kaspersky Lab France Managing Director Tanguy De Coatpont recommends alternating phone-free periods, like during meetings, to maximize focus without stress.
