Three services really suck the juice out of my efficiency at work. I probably should turn them off, or perhaps really dictate the usage time, but since I work online I tend to need them every now and then.

Instant messaging, IM for short is time thief #1. Google Talk is always up, as is Skype and Live Messenger (that’s MSN). On the one hand I need these services to conduct my work, dish out assignments and get in touch with people in general. Skype is even my premiere choice for phone services, both in and out of the office. Then again it tends to be a bit to much casual chit-chatting, and suddenly I’ve lost two hours worth of work. This is a tough one.

Thief #2 is Bloglines, but I’m getting better here. I subscribe to a whole lot of RSS feeds, and Bloglines collects them. It’s very easy to check in and see who has updated and what it is, which can lead to surfing and reading stuff I should save for later, interrupting work. Yes, it’s good for me knowing stuff gives me stuff to write about, but I really should cut down on checking Bloglines to two or three times a day. I’m almost there.

Finally, there’s e-mail. Ah, wonderful e-mail! I really hate a cluttered inbox but it always ends up that way anyway. Granted, I get a lot of e-mail, but I have organization in place and should set aside 15 minutes four times a day to make sure I don’t fall behind. That would also stop me from “just checking my inbox” which I do way to frequently and it sure interrupts my workflow.

Discipline is the key to handling the modern workplace’ many communication methods. Ironically, it’s these new technologies that I think drags down our efficiency the most. They are time thieves and you really should have a solid plan on how not to be robbed.