Consciously switch off: Breaks with Digital Detox

Crafts 4.0: Conscious breaks from digital media maintain employees' health and performance in the long term. But how do companies find a good balance between advancing digitalization and digital detox?

This article is part of the special topic Digital Crafts

Smartphone, tablet and computer determine today the Everyday work of many craftsmenAccording to a study by the auditing firm Deloitte from 2020 The average user unlocks his smartphone up to 100 times a day – approximately every 15 minutes. The device used for more than three hours in total. In addition, there are times for other devices, such as Tablet and computer.

In everyday life, the heavy use of technology is hardly noticeable anymore because it has become so normal: Quickly check emails and messages in the morning, then the digital calendars the tasks of the day But also spontaneous video conferences, quick research on the Internet or a Creation of urgently needed Office documents include for many craftsmen as part of their daily routine. Tasks are often interrupted by calls, new emails, and incoming messages on messengers and social networks.Constant overstimulation can have a negative impact on productivity: According to scientific studies, it takes around 23 minutes to fully concentrate on your original task after a distraction.

Avoid disadvantages through technology

The consequence: Doctors are now warning of health disadvantages due to the concentrated use of technology - for example Stress and concentration problems through the power of constant availability and Sleep disturbances caused by displays with a high proportion of blue light. The boundaries between work and leisure often blur in everyday life. However, completely avoiding technology is not a good idea either: A study by a team of psychologists at the University of California in November 2021 found that prolonged non-use of digital media tends to have negative consequences. The personally perceived stress level increases because people feel excluded and are afraid of missing out.

Digitalization with a sense of proportion

The goal for craftsmen should therefore be to Find the right level of technology use in everyday life. Only in very few companies do employees and managers really need to be available around the clock. And checking your smartphone several times an hour doesn't necessarily lead to better quality. For good work results, it's more important that Employees can fully concentrate on their current task.

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Therefore, craft workshops already at the Conception of your digitalization strategy pay attention, regular detox times for employees who work with digital media. There are various approaches that promise more balance in everyday working life: for example, smartphone-free times, conscious relaxation breaks without technology or Digital detox apps (see bullet points).

Focus on efficiency and health

At the same time, your own Digitization strategy special Added value in the fields of Work Safety, Health and Quality of results It is worthwhile to involve all employees: Firstly, by raising awareness, such as the Balancing digital and technology-free times On the other hand, clear rules for dealing with digitalization.

These rules are best developed in groups, as colleagues in the office use technology to a different extent than employees on the construction site. This way, the team can consider together with those responsible how to conscious and profitable use of technology in the various business areas. A main goal should be that employees work more efficiently through targeted digitalization measuresThe time gained can then be filled with other, non-digital tasks – or with technology-free relaxation breaks.

The optimal balance for media use

- Define clear rules on accessibility of employees outside of working hours – for example, for emergency services. It must also be clear when employees do not need to be available.

- For employees, it means less stress if digital messages are not sent after work or on weekends Anyone who still works during these hours should pre-write messages, save them, and send them only at the start of regular working hours.

- When sending written messages via email or messenger, each employee should clearly state by when an answer is desired – or even better, until when the recipient is welcome to take their time.

- Multiple communication channels mean multiple stress for employees. Therefore, companies should focus on a single internal communication channel limit – for example, a Messenger service.

- Place fixed times in which employees communicate with each other communicate professionally or read emails – and when a response is no longer required.

- Check incoming emails and messages not immediately, but at set timesFor example, every one to two hours or two to three times a day.

- Set up your devices so that new messages arrive exclusively silentlyThis allows you to concentrate better on the actual task without distractions.

- Define Rules for personal conversations and meetingsFor example: To help everyone involved concentrate better, smartphones are generally switched off for the duration of the conversation.

- Avoid multitasking: Focus on one task at a time. New messages and tasks should only be reviewed afterward and prioritized based on importance.

- Turn off your smartphone once a day – for example during the lunch break or in the evening from 20 p.m.

- Define technology-free places after workwhere smartphones and tablets are left outside – for example, kitchen, bedroom, balcony or garden.

- Use Digital detox appsin order to specifically reduce the usage times of technical devices.

- If possible, avoid one day per week completely on smartphone, tablet and computer.

Photo: © DHB