If you use Apple products like I do, you probably already know about iMessage and its ability to sync messages from your iPhone to other products like your Macbook. You’ll receive an instant message notification on your phone and the same notification on your other screen – this comes in handy when you’re on-the-go. Although when it comes to work, is iMessage helpful or is it harmful?

Well, even though iMessage is convenient outside of work, it might not be the best way to communicate during work.

If you have iMessage synced to your work laptop/computer, notifications from your friends and family can pop up during the workday. These notifications might be especially distracting if you’re deep into your work.

Distracting, non-work related messages can intervene and cut into your workday. According to a study from the University of California, Irvine, it takes about 23 minutes and 15 seconds just to get back on task. So responding to that lengthy conversation with your friend might be more destructive to your time and productivity then it seems.

Since iMessage is oftentimes considered more of a social network in a similar way Facebook is, using it during work is like mixing work with your social life. If you’re using iMessage to talk to coworkers, it might look like you’re constantly on a social channel which can consequently seem unprofessional. Separate platforms for work and social can help eliminate situations like that.

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