The Digital Marathon: Are Our Thumbs in a Race We Didn't Sign Up For?

In a hyper-connected workplace, scrolling has become as routine as our morning coffee. Yet, few of us consider how far our thumbs travel each day in our digital worlds.

Can you believe that the average employee scrolls the equivalent of a half-marathon each month?? Over the course of a year, this can add up to a staggering 1,000 kilometres—more than the distance from London to Edinburgh and back. This statistic alone invites us to question our relationship with technology and how it affects both wellbeing and productivity.

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For leaders committed to digital transformation and employee wellbeing, this “thumb marathon” is a vivid reminder of technology’s impact on our everyday lives and workplace culture. It also raises an important question: Is this digital journey adding value, or is it quietly taking a toll on our teams’ health, engagement, and effectiveness?

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The Hidden Toll of Scrolling: More Than Just Thumb Strain

The physical effects of excessive screen time extend well beyond tired thumbs. Studies have shown that prolonged digital engagement is linked to increased stress, diminished productivity, and a rise in repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) across the workplace. The continuous motion of scrolling can lead to “text thumb” and strain on the wrists, while the uninterrupted screen time itself can cause eye strain and tension headaches. And this is just the physical side of the story.

From a psychological perspective, there’s a growing body of evidence linking excessive screen time with “continuous partial attention.” This state of fragmented focus impedes deep work and reduces our ability to concentrate, leading to decisions and ideas that lack the sharpness they might otherwise have had. These effects can ripple through an organisation, subtly impacting efficiency, communication, and ultimately the bottom line.

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Productivity or Passivity? Rethinking How Our Teams Engage Online

With an estimated 2-3 kilometres of daily scrolling, it’s worth questioning how much of this screen time is genuinely productive versus passive or “mindless” browsing. Even if only a fraction of this distance is spent on non-essential content, that still represents hours of potential productivity that could be redirected. If HR leaders could help reduce unnecessary scrolling by just 10%, the potential gains in focus and time reclaimed would be substantial.

Moreover, we live in an age where mobile communication is paramount. Recognising the sheer volume of digital interactions employees engage with each day should inspire us to refine how we communicate internally. Key messages must stand out amid endless streams of content, requiring more intentional and strategic communication. This might mean prioritising clarity, designing for mobile-first engagement, and ensuring that messages are concise and relevant—making it easier for employees to grasp essential information without endless scrolling.

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can leaders create a workplace that balances digital engagement with wellbeing? Here are some actionable steps for HR leaders to consider:

Audit Your Organisation’s Digital Engagement

Start with a clear picture of your organisation’s current digital habits. Implement analytics to understand how digital tools are used internally, how much time employees spend on various platforms, and which channels are the most effective. This insight will not only reveal areas for improvement but can also help guide decisions on reducing unnecessary screen time.

Encourage Digital Wellbeing Programs

Wellbeing is increasingly about more than just physical health; it includes digital wellness too. Introduce programs focused on screen-time awareness, and consider suggesting “digital detox” periods or days when non-essential communication is limited. Encourage physical movement during the workday and foster a culture that normalises stepping away from screens regularly. These initiatives can prevent burnout and improve the mental and physical health of employees, as well as boost engagement and productivity.

Optimise Your Content Strategy

Not all digital engagement is equal—some interactions add value, while others create noise. Shift from a “more is more” communication approach to one that prioritises the relevance and clarity of content. Design mobile-first, concise messages with clear hierarchies to help employees quickly find the information they need without excessive scrolling. This saves time and respects employees’ digital bandwidth.

Lead by Example with “Scroll-Free” Practices

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Change often starts from the top. Leaders can set an example by promoting “scroll-free” periods in meetings, reducing dependency on digital communication when face-to-face conversations would be more effective, and advocating for boundaries around digital consumption. Simple steps, such as turning off notifications during certain hours or encouraging screen breaks, can help reinforce a culture that values balanced digital engagement.

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Moving Toward a Healthier Digital Relationship

While digital tools are essential to modern work, we have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to guide our teams toward a healthier relationship with technology. Our goal should not be to demonise scrolling but to encourage intentional, productive engagement that supports both individual and organisational wellbeing.

Let’s remember that the distance our teams scroll each day need not exceed the distance they walk. By encouraging mindful digital habits, we can transform these surprising statistics into a powerful opportunity for positive change in the workplace.

Call to Action for Leaders

Measure your organisation’s digital engagement to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Set goals for reducing unnecessary screen time without sacrificing essential communication.

Invest in tools and training that promote effective digital consumption.

Lead by example in practising balanced digital habits.

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Let’s create a workplace that prioritises not just productivity but the holistic wellbeing of our teams. In this way, the digital marathon becomes a conscious journey, one that adds real value to our organisations and enhances the lives of those we work alongside.

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This article is based on current digital wellness research and workplace behaviour insights. Digital habits vary, and these suggestions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your organisation.

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Emily Formby

Not-for-Profit / Charity - Search Specialist

@: [email protected]???

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