I have worked remotely for most of the last 12 years. That allows me to isolate myself better (to focus), and it allows a bit more flexibility to work when I'm

I have worked remotely for most of the last 12 years. That allows me to isolate myself better (to focus), and it allows a bit more flexibility to work when I'm in the flow. But I'm an unstructured (or so broadly structured that it might resemble a bit of chaos) person, so I'm happy to work any time day or night when I'm energized and in the flow. But even when I was in the office, aside from periods between projects where there's actually not much to do, I still was actively doing real work for most of each day. The OP seemed to be describing just slacking off, but I think what you're describing is environments and circumstances which make it difficult for you to be productive despite your desire to be. If the company you work for has ignorant practices and cannot learn from feedback, then they will just have to accept lower productivity. Managers have to understand how to schedule meetings (not too many, and not fracturing time too much). I stopped working for companies that had hostile practices. But if you don't have the option to change jobs, you just have to accept that you will only be useful 25% of your day maybe. And if that starts to eat at you, like you're wasting your life and your abilities, then it's time to consider moving/finding a better job.