Checking email: Not just a freelance problem

One common theme I see on freelance writers' blogs and discussion boards is the problem of being distracted by email. Many writers cite checking email too frequently as being one of their main vices.

And yes, before you ask, I have an email problem, too. I have my Outlook set up to download email every five minutes, which can make for a lot of interruptions.

I think a lot of us consider this a freelance problem, but it seems that it's not: Some major tech firms are discussing ways to discourage email and increase productivity in their employees.

I don't agree with trying to eliminate email entirely one day of the week (one of Intel's experiments), but Google's Email Addict sounds like a nice way to remind yourself to get back to work.

Do you have a problem with obsessively checking email, and what techniques do you use to keep yourself on task?