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The complexities of digital connectivity and its impact on workplace well-being have never been more pronounced. It is evident to me that we have entered very alarming times when it comes to the integration of technology and the wellness of employees.
It’s not all bad, but it’s certainly not all good either. Leaders must better balance workplace technologies with strategies that prioritize human connections and mental health. My conversation with Amy Blankson, author, founder, and chief evangelist of the Digital Wellness Institute, provides actionable insights into achieving this delicate balance.
The Role of Leaders in Promoting Digital Wellness
Digital tools are ubiquitous. I'm writing this column on a Mac, editing it on my iPad, and likely reading it again on my iPhone after it publishes. My argument is simple. If leaders are responsible for cultivating a workplace that thrives on productivity, they should equally prioritize the mental well-being of their employees. For example, I shouldn't have to think my boss needs me to edit this column from my bed at 11:00 p.m. at night to publish it tomorrow.
Many workers, however, will feel compelled to do just that.
In our conversation, Blankson underscores the importance of leadership. "Leaders must spearhead the integration of well-being into corporate culture, ensuring that digital tools enhance rather than detract from our professional and personal lives," she explains.
By setting boundaries and creating norms that encourage regular digital detoxes, let alone a more balanced approach to technology use, leaders can foster an environment where employees feel empowered to disconnect and recharge, perhaps ironically enhancing their overall productivity and well-being. (You may even want to consider an initiative like The Offline Club, which I wrote about on Forbes over here.)
Balancing Productivity and Well-being
Achieving a balance between productivity and well-being in the digital age is a critical challenge that leaders must also navigate. Goals have to be accomplished, and targets need to be met, but it's rather evident that anxiety, burnout and stress have been on the rise in society for over a decade.
Blankson provides advice for this balancing act, emphasizing that "Productivity shouldn't come at the cost of well-being. Leaders need to create a workplace where the tools we use don't overwhelm us but instead help us excel without burning out." She suggests practical measures, such as designing workflows that include intentional breaks and encouraging teams to engage in non-digital activities. In essence, workplace norms need to be redefined.
Supporting this approach, a study by the University of California, Irvine, famously highlighted the productivity cost of constant digital interruptions, noting that employees are distracted once every 11 minutes by digital tools and take over 23 minutes to return to the original task.
By implementing strategies that reduce these interruptions, leaders can help employees maintain focus and efficiency, thus supporting both their productivity and mental health.
Furthermore, Blankson advocates for the use of well-being technologies that help monitor and manage work habits and stress levels. These tools can provide valuable insights into employee behavior and wellness, enabling leaders to make informed decisions that support a healthier work environment.
Redefining Workplace Connections
Amy Blankson
An additional piece of the digital wellness puzzle involves redefining how technology facilitates workplace connections. "We need to use technology to enhance our connections with each other, not to replace them," states Amy Blankson.
This line of thinking is particularly vital in a hybrid work environment where remote employees may feel more isolated than those who are habitually in the office. Creating digital spaces that facilitate genuine interactions and provide platforms for employees to share both professional and personal experiences can help bridge this gap.
This approach is supported by data indicating that 70% of remote workers feel left out or isolated, highlighting the importance of using digital platforms to foster a sense of community and belonging. Leaders can leverage technology to schedule regular check-ins, create virtual social events, and use collaborative tools that encourage teamwork and camaraderie.
Moreover, Blankson points out the importance of designing intuitive digital interfaces that foster connectivity rather than complexity. She argues for simplicity in digital design, which can significantly enhance the user experience and reduce feelings of frustration and disconnection among team members.
In sum, I—like Blankson—believe leaders have a pivotal role in ensuring digital tools enhance rather than undermine human connections and overall well-being. There is a win-win to be had.
By embracing the principles of digital wellness, leaders can guide their teams through the complexities of the digital age, ensuring that productivity and well-being are not mutually exclusive but mutually reinforcing. The journey toward digital wellness starts with leaders attuned to today's needs and tomorrow's challenges, making the technological landscape a place where everyone can flourish.
As Blankson noted, "We have to be intentional about how we integrate technology into our lives. It's not just about using it because it's there; it's about making it work for us, not against us."
Watch the full interview with Amy Blankson and Dan Pontefract on the Leadership NOW program below, or listen to it on your favorite podcast.
