There’s an app called Focus Friend that helps you stay on task by cheering you on with a virtual bean.
When you stay focused, your bean grows.
But if you doom scroll or leave the app—your bean starts to wither.
Yes, really.
It’s part focus timer, part gamified productivity pal, and it’s oddly charming.
And if it helps you get through your inbox or write that quarterly report, great.
But let’s be honest: most business teams aren’t going to gamify their phones or track performance with a sad cartoon legume.
If your company is serious about helping people stay focused at work, here are a few grown-up tools that actually work:
1. Block distractions at the network level
Use DNS filtering to block access to common time-wasting sites like social media or streaming platforms during business hours.
It’s quiet, effective, and doesn’t require employees to install anything.
2. Use productivity features already built into your systems
Microsoft’s Focus Assist or Apple’s Do Not Disturb can suppress notifications during deep work.
Combine that with shared calendar “focus time” blocks to minimize interruptions across teams.
3. Lock in app-level controls
With the right IT policies in place, your team can:
- Limit access to certain apps
- Disable desktop notifications
- Schedule intentional breaks to avoid burnout
4. Lead by example
Culture matters.
If managers are visibly distracted or constantly multitasking, others will follow.
Protecting focus time starts at the top.
Bottom line
The bean is adorable.
But your team probably needs something more scalable.
If you’re ready to help your people protect their time and attention—with tools that fit your business, not just your phone—we can help.
