The rapid integration of smartphones, personal gadgets, and IoT-enabled devices into one’s daily schedules can be overwhelming. The continuous stream of information in such a highly digital environment can make it challenging to focus, prioritize, and relax, especially in a highly competitive work environment. Hence, it becomes essential to recognize digital wellbeing as a prerogative that requires all decision-makers and stakeholders to take a proactive approach.
This has become even more important in the post-pandemic world, where organizations have seen accelerated adoption of digital tools and technology to conduct business. On the other hand, anxiety and stress continue to be a concern compared to pre-Covid levels as the world grapples with uncertain times. Since such mental health conditions are known to worsen with over-exposure to hyper-connectivity, more organizations and individuals are adopting active measures to prioritize digital wellbeing in 2022.
Ensuring Digital Wellbeing in the Hybrid Work Environment
The hybrid work environment is here to stay; this can often mean being available across multiple digital channels for prompt discussions, meetings, and updates at the cost of compromising on the primary tasks at hand and, subsequently, digital wellbeing.
However, after more than two years of working outside of the traditional office environment, plenty of studies link healthy boundaries and digital wellbeing to better productivity, sustainable output, and a sense of control and positivity. Hence, organizations and leaders must actively set frameworks and policies to ensure the digital wellbeing of employees and team members and avoid burnout and negative impact on mental and physiological health. These should factor in the following:
● Companies must actively create and communicate guidelines about scenarios wherein it is acceptable to send emails or request calls and meetings during odd hours.
● Next, there is a need to normalize that even the most committed employees need time off daily. HR managers and team leaders must work towards helping employees discuss, plan, and communicate their digital availability and boundaries with co-workers, project partners, and team leaders.
● Similarly, employees must invest in their digital wellbeing by actively participating and contributing to a culture of healthy balance when it comes to digital interactions and availability.
● Understanding one’s challenges and limits, consideration for co-workers’ working styles and organizational goals, and effective communication about a mutually beneficial approach to digital availability can go a long way in achieving career goals.
Leveraging Digital Wellbeing Tools
While frameworks, policies, and an overall culture that promote digital wellbeing are non-negotiable, it is essential to recognize that micro-level actions, which align with digital wellbeing goals, are significant to making tangible progress. This is possible when every employee and team member is encouraged to set their goals and leverage relevant digital wellbeing tools.
These could range from minimizing distractions such as social media and notifications to unplugging completely at odd hours or when in the middle of critical decisions and tasks. Be it using the multiple tools offered by Google or opting for habit-specific apps that help address digital wellbeing challenges, it is essential to use them regularly to prevent digital burnout and actively adopt healthier digital habits.
