Research-Driven Engineering Leadership
Welcome back to Research-Driven Engineering Leadership. Each week, we pose an interesting topic in engineering leadership and apply the latest research in the field to drive to an answer.
Interruptions are part of every engineer's workday, but how do different types of interruptions affect productivity and stress? This week we ask: How do interruptions impact software engineers’ productivity and stress, and what can leaders do to mitigate their effects?
Software engineers juggle numerous complex cognitive tasks like writing code, understanding complex algorithms, and reviewing others’ work. These activities demand deep focus, while interruptions—ranging from a coworker's quick question to a pop-up notification—break that flow. However, not all interruptions are created equal. Factors like the urgency of the interruption or the authority of the person interrupting can affect how disruptive the interruption feels.
Remote work has introduced additional layers of complexity. With more on-screen notifications and fewer in-person interactions, engineers are experiencing interruptions in new ways. Understanding how different types of interruptions impact productivity and stress is critical to fostering better work environments.
