ow many times today were you interrupted? Did the phone ring while you were composing an e-mail? Did a co-worker come by to update you on her weekend plans, just as you picked up the phone? Did a colleague have an "emergency" and need your help?

Interruptions cost us time and productivity, which translate into money. While you can't eliminate them entirely, you can manage them and limit their frequency.

Below are some helpful tips for managing workplace interruptions.

Determine What's Important

Let's face it, no matter how hard you try, it's impossible to eliminate interruptions. Since they can't be avoided altogether, the key is to decide ahead of time which types of interruptions are worth tending to immediately and which requests you can deal with later. Then, when you are interrupted, you will have already decided if you will tackle that issue now or later.

Schedule Interruptions

Schedule time for interruptions into each day so that you can set realistic goals for the time you do have to work. Set hours for when you will take calls, visitors or meetings. Make sure your co-workers know the times that are convenient to stop by and the times that are not. During your work time put a "do not disturb" sign outside your office or cubicle and forward your calls to voicemail.

Set Yourself up for Success

Examine how your office is situated. If you face the door, you might be tempted to look up each time you see someone go by, or people might be tempted to stop in and chat with you.

Move your desk so you don't face the door. Also, keep your area neat and organized so you can find what you need when you need it, rather than stopping your work to find a lost file or e-mail.

Don't Worry About Hurt Feelings

It's OK to tell someone you would like to hear about his vacation but you just don't have the time now. You are allowed to say "not now" when an officemate wants to chat. If a co-worker asks you to do something because it's easier than him learning how to do it on his own, there is nothing wrong with declining.

Stop Before They Start

When a colleague interrupts you, stop her before she gets too far into her issue, and ask how long it will take. Then you can decide if you will deal with it now or later.

Define "Emergency"

When a co-worker comes to you with an urgent issue, ask if it needs to be taken care of immediately or if it can wait. If it's an emergency, determine whom it's an emergency for. For example, if an associate wants to turn in a project early to impress her supervisor it might be an emergency for her, but it's not for you.

Are You the Best Choice?

Find out if the person asking for help really needs you or just needs someone. Ask questions to determine if he is asking you simply because you are most likely to say yes. If so, suggest someone who can handle it, or better yet, offer suggestions of how he can do it himself.

Stand Up

Get out of your chair when someone comes to your office unexpectedly. That way, she doesn't sit down and become too comfortable and overstay her welcome. When you are ready to end the meeting, you can edge back toward the door and escort her out.

Keep a Log

Keep a record of when your interruptions occur. Include the time of day; how long it lasted; who brought it to you; why she came to you, and if you benefited from the encounter.

After a few days, review the log and look for patterns and address them. For example, if the same employee comes by consistently, find out why. Does she need more assignments? If so, maybe you could delegate some responsibilities to her. Is she looking for recognition? If so, maybe you need to provide more unsolicited feedback so she won't feel the need to come by as often.

Follow these tips to limit interruptions and disruptions and make the most of your workday. Be honest. Explain that you have deadlines to meet and that you want to make the most of your office time so you can complete your tasks and enjoy your free time with a clear conscience.

It might be hard at first, but be disciplined and consistent and your colleagues will catch on and respect your wishes.