Interruptions are a fact of life in any workplace, but that doesn’t mean you have to be at the mercy of everyone who walks into your office or cubicle. Protect your privacy and productivity by keeping a coat or pile of papers on your visitor’s chair to discourage people from immediately sitting down. If you’re at your computer, keep your hands on the keyboard; if you’re writing with a pen, don’t put it down. You’ll send a clear message that you’re busy. If the interruption isn’t urgent, you can politely tell visitors that you’re tied up and ask them to come back at a specific time.

—Adapted from Working Mother magazine