Balancing Act: Navigating Screen Time in the Modern Workplace
Digital devices and computers have transformed the world of work by improving efficiency, communication, collaboration, flexibility, and innovation. Understandably, organizations have embraced these technologies to stay competitive and adapt to the evolving demands of the modern workplace. However, the increased reliance on these technologies has also resulted in another growing trend-increased screen time for employees. How much time do employees spend in front of screens at work? Data suggests that office workers spend an average of 6.5 hours per day at work in front of computer screens or laptops. This does not include time spent on mobile devices at work. Further, Americans log almost 11 hours of screen time per day, most of that being while at work. I don't know about you, but those are staggering statistics. This is undoubtedly a function of a number of factors, including growing levels of remote work and reliance on digital communication applications, the proliferation of digital devices and multitasking habits, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life.
?While most of our work is complemented by digital devices, computers, software, AI, and the like, excessive screen time has numerous negative effects. Excessive screen time can result in negative physical health consequences such as eye strain, neck and back pain, and a sedentary lifestyle and its related health risks. Mental health can also be impacted through increased stress and anxiety, impaired cognitive function and focus, and disrupted sleep patterns. The social and emotional effects are also worth considering, including decreased face-to-face interactions, feelings of isolation and loneliness, and difficulty with work-life balance and personal relationships. Furthermore, some screen time while at work is not work-related or constructive, causing productivity losses for the organization over and above the productivity impact of negative physical and emotional consequences for employees.
?Fortunately, organizations can employ strategies to mitigate the negative effects of screen time. First, organizations can implement technology breaks. It is a good idea to encourage employees to take regular breaks from screens and promote physical movement and stretching exercises. Second, organizations can establish screen-free zones or work time and help employees prioritize tasks to minimize unnecessary screen exposure. One suggestion is to limit virtual meetings when possible and prohibit using laptops and digital devices during physical meetings. Third, organizations can provide employees with education and resources about the consequences of excessive screen time. For example, most of us know little about proper ergonomics and posture in the workplace. Employers can also offer resources for managing stress and well-being. Lastly, organizations can encourage activities that do not involve screens, such as promoting non-screen-related hobbies and activities and organizing team-building exercises or outdoor events.
?Organizations should develop a healthy culture around screen time in the workplace to ensure such strategies are taken seriously and solidified. This ultimately starts at the top, where those in leadership roles must set an example by practicing healthy screen habits and focusing on their own work-life balance and well-being. Organizations can also offer flexible work arrangements that may help reduce screen time and adapt communication strategies incorporating non-digital mediums. Finally, the old adage that "what gets measured, gets managed" is important to consider. Organizations could collect feedback from employees about their screen time and its consequences. Adjusting policies and practices based on the feedback and changing needs of the organization and its employees can also help create a healthy screen time culture. This approach sends a clear message to leaders and employees that it matters.
?There are a number of great resources available that I have shared below. It is not lost on me that these are digital, so please read responsibly:-)
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?I'm curious about what others have seen regarding increased screen time in the workplace. Have you noticed issues in your organization? What is your organization doing to manage this growing issue?
?This column also appeared in the Southern Miss Business newsletter. If you would like to receive the full newsletter, click this link https://eepurl.com/gjv7eU.