This year’s National Digital Wellbeing Day
techtimeout tuesday takes place on Tuesday 3 December, and MHFA England® will be part of the community of over a million people who will be switching off their devices to enjoy some healthy screen-free time.
In this guest blog, Founder of techtimeout tuesday Steph Henson (and boss of two technology companies) shares why taking regular tech breaks at work is important.
Why do we need a digital detox?
It’s official. We’re addicted to technology.
Screen time for adults in the UK is
increasing yearly.
UK adults look at their phones every
12 minutes.
And for those of us who work in offices, the numbers are even higher as we clock over
60 hours per week looking at screens.
Reasons to take tech breaks at work
All this time spent on tech is affecting our physical and mental health - that’s why I launched techtimeout tuesday - to remind people of the impact excessive tech use and help UK workplaces develop healthier tech habits. Here’s a glimpse at how tech breaks at work can foster happier, healthier teams:
Improve communication
- Disconnecting from tech can actually help improve workplace communication. Because, who knows if your colleague actually opened that important email or IM you sent?
- Why not reduce blue tick frustration and take 5 to grab a coffee in the break room to chat instead?
Cultivate creativity
- By banning devices for short periods and getting together for an offline activity or meeting, you’ll nurture a team that is 100% focused and connected, so great things can happen!
Boost productivity
- Digital distraction is a huge problem in the modern workplace, as employees deal with multiple notifications, dozens of open tabs, and countless software systems that impact employee productivity and mental health.
- Taking a step away allows employees to reset, rest, and focus on their work.
Foster happier, healthier employees
- Excessive screen time is a contributing factor to poor sleep, anxiety, obesity, poor eyesight, neck and back pain, depression, and social isolation.
- Being an employer that encourages regular movement and breaks can help support healthier, happier employees.
Register for techtimeout tuesday
techtimeout tuesday is here to help us develop better tech habits and remind us that digital wellbeing is an important part of modern life, both at work and at home. So why not join us this year?
It’s free to take part in, all you have to do is:
- Register here as a company or individual
- Pick a time
- Pick an offline activity
- Enjoy some screen-free time
Workplace wellbeing
The way we live and work over the past four years has changed dramatically, highlighting how work and workplace culture can both impact employee wellbeing.
Having worked with over 20,000 organisations, MHFA England understand the nuances of workplaces and the barriers you may be facing. We know how to implement excellent training, robust systems, and practical policies to improve the wellbeing of your workforce.
You can contact our workplace experts at
workplace@mhfaengland.org to discover what solution is best for your workplace.
