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. But 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.
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.
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.
Of course, smartphones are also how we stay connected. But all those notifications can be overwhelming. For those who use Slack, you 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.
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.
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.
“At Cox Mobile,” said Ava Caleca from PRBULLDOG LLC., “we’re proud to offer the mobile tools and services that help Arizonans stay productive both at work and at home.”
