The ubiquity of screens and digital devices has given rise to an unhealthy entanglement between work and personal life. Gallup’s 2023 Global State of the Workplace Report found that remote and hybrid employees across the world are more engaged than onsite employees. With flexible working hours becoming increasingly common, employees find themselves constantly checking their phones for updates and emails, even outside of traditional working hours. In fact, “traditional working hours” is becoming less the norm in global capability centers as a lot of people work with stakeholders across time zones. This “always-on” mentality has created an expectation of immediate responses, causing individuals to feel obligated to be available at any given moment.
This leads to two main consequences in terms of employee wellbeing; increased levels of stress and an increased need to multitask. In the digital era, multitasking has become a common practice, with individuals constantly juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. However, research has shown that multitasking hampers productivity and diminishes focus. When our attention is divided among various activities, our cognitive abilities suffer, leading to decreased efficiency and increased errors. This constant switching between tasks also contributes to a sense of mental overload, further adding to stress levels and hindering overall mental well-being. Excessive screen time and the constant connectivity associated with it can lead to elevated stress levels in individuals. While stress is a natural response to challenging situations, chronic stress can have detrimental effects on the brain. Prolonged exposure to stress hormones, such as cortisol, damages the hippocampus – the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Over time, chronic stress can impair cognitive functions, contribute to anxiety and depression, and weaken the immune system. The incessant need to be constantly plugged in can also disrupt sleep patterns, affecting mental and emotional equilibrium, which further exacerbates the problem.
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A decrease in efficiency, an increase in errors, and a reduction in the ability to learn; these consequences can be detrimental to organisational objectives. On the other hand, more employees prefer to have more flexibility and a lot of them opt for hybrid or remote working environments. Therefore, fostering a conducive work environment will benefit both employees and employers. Here are some things for organisations to consider:
- Set Clear Expectations and embrace Asynchronous Work:Organisations need to establish and communicate guidelines regarding out-of-work-hours communications, ensuring employees understand that immediate responses are not always expected or necessary, and employees need to be encouraged to disconnect during personal time.
- Encourage Time Management and Prioritization: Employees need to be empowered to manage their time effectively so that employees can evaluate the urgency ad prioritize with responsibility. Organisations need to encourage the use of productivity tools and effective time management techniques that help individuals prioritize tasks, reducing the propensity to constantly check their devices.
- Promote Regular time away from the screen: Encouraging regular time away from the screen throughout the workday is essential for rejuvenation and focus.
- Promote Open Communication:Create an environment that enables people to be open about issues that are causing stress. This allows for adjustments to be made, fostering better work-life integration. These conversations should be dealt with empathy.
Employees must also take personal responsibility for setting boundaries and nurturing their mental health. Here are some individual strategies to consider:
- Embrace Flexibility: Scheduling time for self-care activities around work priorities helps achieve balance.
- Practice Mindfulness: Engaging in mindfulness exercises or meditation helps foster mental clarity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
- Designate Tech-Free Time: Setting specific time blocks where technology is intentionally turned off can help create a healthy separation between work and personal life. During these periods, engage in activities that promote relaxation, creativity, and connection with loved ones.
- Connect with Nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to have numerous benefits for mental health. Make a conscious effort to disconnect from screens and breathe in the fresh air during breaks or leisure hours.
- Seek Social Support: Cultivating supportive relationships both at work and outside of it can significantly impact mental health. Engage in activities with friends, family, or coworkers that foster social interaction and create a sense of belonging.
Organizations should encourage a culture that values employee well-being, while individuals need to prioritize self-care, adopt healthy screen time habits,feel empowered to set boundaries, and demonstrate responsibility. By working together, we can transform the digital landscape into a healthier, more conducive environment that nurtures overall well-being. Thriving at work and home is a win-win strategy.
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