Mamaearth co-founder Ghazal Alagh has shared a practical approach to productivity that does not involve hustling harder, but rather changing how we use our phones. Writing on LinkedIn, she explained that “Monday motivation isn’t about hustling harder than you already are. It’s about removing what’s quietly sabotaging your focus every single day.”
How the ‘landline method’ improves focus and productivity
Like many professionals, Alagh admitted she often found her attention drawn to notifications instead of solutions. She wrote that her mind was “fragmented when it needed to be sharp.”
To counter this, she began practising what she calls the “landline method.” Instead of keeping her phone close at all times, she now leaves it on her desk during meetings and away from her pocket during important conversations.
The results, she noted, were immediate. “I could finally give my full attention to building something meaningful,” Alagh shared.
The science behind attention loss
Alagh’s advice is backed by research highlighting the impact of constant phone use on productivity. She cited three striking findings:
- Attention spans have dropped from 2.5 minutes in 2004 to just 47 seconds today.
- It takes an average of 23 minutes to regain full focus after a phone interruption.
- Even when switched off, the presence of a phone nearby reduces cognitive capacity by 10%.
These statistics underline how modern technology has been engineered to demand attention, often at the cost of deep focus.
Why attention management is key to workplace productivity
Alagh urged her followers to view attention as their most valuable resource. She encouraged professionals to experiment with the landline method, even if just for a day. “Keep your phone physically distant during your most important activities,” she advised.
She added a reminder: “Your phone didn’t naturally shrink your attention to 47 seconds. It was engineered that way. And now you can engineer it back.”
A relatable shift for professionals
Alagh’s post resonates with many working professionals who struggle to balance productivity with constant connectivity. By framing her advice as a small, actionable experiment, she avoids the pressure of drastic lifestyle changes and instead suggests a manageable shift that could bring immediate benefits.
Her message blends personal experience with scientific backing, making it both relatable and credible. It also positions her advice within the broader conversation on digital wellbeing, a growing concern in workplaces worldwide.
The takeaway
For those beginning the week, Alagh’s insight offers a reminder that productivity may not always come from working harder, but from working with more focus. The landline method, simple as it sounds, could be a timely tool to get back your attention in an age of digital overload.
Muskaan Kapoor
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