Digital detox in the workplace: regain power over your schedule

Spending time in front of a screen has become the norm in our daily lives.
From late-night work emails to social networking, such heavy use
of digital technology has significant consequences.

While technology has undeniably made our lives easier in many ways,
it can also have repercussions on our health.

It is in this context that the concept of “digital detox” takes on its full meaning.

Time spent online

In the digital age, technology is omnipresent in our daily lives. From smartphones to computers, we use it for work, communication, entertainment and even basic tasks like shopping.

We live in an ultra-connected world where notifications and virtual meetings punctuate our days.

It’s not so much the time spent in front of a screen for work that’s the problem, but the combination of all our digital interactions. We all know this reality too well.

Why is this a problem?

Our addiction to screens has undesirable side effects. It causes information overload for a brain that was not designed to be constantly stimulated. It’s also responsible for a cognitive overload that affects our concentration, wellbeing and productivity.

Spending too much time in front of a screen can lead to burnout, stress, anxiety, fear of missing out (FOMO) and sleep disorders.

How the use of screens affects our hormones

• Prolonged exposure to screens disrupts our hormonal balance, particularly through the impact of blue light on melatonin production. This hormone, essential for regulating sleep, is inhibited by the artificial light of screens, delaying the onset of sleep and reducing the quality of rest.

• Disturbed sleep leads to disruption of other hormones such as cortisol, the stress hormone, which remains elevated for longer, contributing to a feeling of chronic fatigue and lower resistance to stress.

• Excessive screen use also influences the production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Notifications, short videos and social networks constantly engage our reward circuitry, triggering a frequent release of dopamine. Over the long term, this over-stimulation reduces our ability to experience pleasure in simpler activities, and encourages a form of dependency.

• Finally, prolonged exposure to digital stress can affect the production of testosterone and oxytocin, two hormones essential to wellbeing and social interaction. Constant presence in front of a screen, particularly in a work context, can limit human exchanges and reduce the production of oxytocin, the social bonding hormone. This increases feelings of isolation and has a negative impact on mood and motivation.

This is where digital detox is effective

During a digital detox, we temporarily disconnect. In today’s society, this detox is becoming increasingly important, according to digital health researcher Rachael Kent.

Indeed, more and more people are falling apart mentally as a result of their excessive digital consumption.

A digital detox helps you find the balance you need against the hustle and bustle and social pressure of app responses, emails and social media updates.

Why is digital detox in the workplace so relevant ?

Modern work relies heavily on digital tools, which are a must for the vast majority of professional functions. But their omnipresence can end up hampering day-to-day creativity and efficiency. Counter-productive!

According to a study by the University of California, it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain concentration after a notification-related interruption. An impressive figure which alone illustrates the extent to which the “electronic leash” needs to be mastered, in order to guarantee efficient work for the company’s teams.

Another study, conducted by the International Labor Organization in 2022, revealed that 40% of workers feel increased pressure due to the digitization of their daily tasks. 56% of employees say that information overload prevents them from concentrating effectively.

It’s an issue to be taken seriously by company managers, to guarantee both the wellbeing of their teams, and thus reduce absenteeism, and their efficiency.

Scientifically proven benefits of digital detox in the workplace

Research has shown that limiting exposure to screens and digital distractions can improve wellbeing and efficiency at work.

• Improved concentration and productivity: a study entitled “Digital Detox – Mitigating Digital Overuse in Times of Remote Work and Social Isolation” shows that this helps reduce physiological stress and improves employee satisfaction and mental health.

• Reduced stress and anxiety: according to a publication by SiL multimedia, digital detox has numerous benefits for mental and physical balance, including stress and anxiety reduction. By disconnecting from screens, individuals can regain calm and reconnect with themselves and their environment.

• Improved sleep quality: the same source points out that digital detox improves sleep quality. Reducing the amount of time spent in front of screens, especially before bedtime, promotes more peaceful, restorative sleep.

• Increased creativity and problem-solving skills: although specific research on this subject is limited, it has been suggested that screen-free breaks encourage reflection and innovation.

How can companies help their teams?

If employers want their teams to be more rested, focused, productive and creative, there are a number of ways they can help.

Here are a few guidelines for implementing a culture of disconnection, to be adapted according to size and sector of activity:

• Leading by example: leaders define the organization’s culture, and often set an example for others to follow. For example, by not sending e-mails outside working hours, and by talking about the benefits of technological free time, they influence healthier behaviors.

• Establish screen-free moments: encourage meetings without computers

• Schedule “technology-free” breaks throughout the day for team activities. Such as walking meetings, stretching, a yoga class or social gatherings. Organize events that emphasize face-to-face interaction, such as team lunches or outdoor activities.

• Limit notifications: make employees aware of how to manage notifications, how to prioritize emergencies, and more structured working methods that enable this, such as the famous Pomodoro.

• Create screen-free relaxation areas: provide rest areas where employees can recharge their batteries without digital stimulation.

• Encourage flexible work arrangements: enable employees to manage their time by helping them to create their own “disconnection” moments.

• Explore the apps available to monitor screen time.

• Organize awareness-raising workshops: offer workshops on attention management and mastering digital tools. Highlight the benefits of digital detox.

Companies leading by example

Some companies are already implementing digital detox initiatives:

– Volkswagen has set up an after-hours shutdown of its e-mail servers to encourage its employees to disconnect.

– BMW applies similar policies, limiting emails after office hours.

– France Télécom (Orange) has introduced a disconnection charter to encourage better management of digital tools.

“We have to be flexible enough to evolve with the technology but choose how to use it right. Fire was a great discovery to cook our food, but we had to learn it could hurt and kill as well,”

Dr. Michael Rich

To wrap up

Digital detox is not a fight against technology, which is certainly inescapable in this day and age, but a rebalancing towards a more conscious and beneficial use of it.

Better digital relationship management means improved quality of life and greater efficiency.

By integrating disconnection practices, companies can not only improve the mental health and wellbeing of their employees, but also boost their productivity and creativity.

It’s a win-win situation, and not as daunting as it might first appear. Our workshop on this subject offers your team some very simple techniques for better managing their connection time, according to their reality.

Ready to help your employees?

Get in touch with us!

We’d be delighted to discuss

how to pamper your teams.