The power of an hour: Techtimeout tuesday is back!

At Mental Health First Aid England®, we believe wellbeing and performance go hand in hand. Fostering a culture where employees can thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically is essential for a healthier, more productive workplace.

That’s why we’re proud to support Techtimeout tuesday , the UK’s national day for digital wellbeing, falling on Tuesday 2 December 2025.

Connected not Consumed: The power of an hour

We’re proud to be partnering again with techtimeout to raise awareness of digital overload and encourage individuals, teams, and organisations to step away from screens and focus on fostering a healthier relationship with digital devices.

The idea is simple: Take at least one hour away from your digital devices to recharge, reconnect, and reset, at work, at home, or both.

Why digital wellbeing matters

In a world of constant pings, messages, meetings, and notifications, our focus and energy are under constant pressure. Digital wellbeing is about building a more intentional relationship with technology that supports, rather than drains, our mental health.

By embracing just one screen-free hour, we can unlock:

• Clearer thinking and reduced stress
• Stronger personal and workplace connection
• Increased focus and reduced burnout
• Healthier boundaries between work and life

At MHFA England, we believe that by addressing digital wellbeing, we can enhance both individual and team performance. When employees feel supported, they work better together, fostering a more vibrant and productive workplace.

Choose your path: How will you spend your hour?

To make it easy for individuals and teams to take part, the campaign encourages participants to choose one of three Connection Pathways:

• Connect with colleagues: Enjoy a no-tech coffee break, go for a walking meeting, or take part in a group activity that builds culture and team spirit
• Connect with friends or family: Spend quality time offline with someone you care about. Share a meal, take a walk, or simply be present together
• Connect with yourself: Take a moment of stillness. Reflect, journal, enjoy a screen-free lunch, or reset with nature or movement

Everyone’s techtimeout will look a little different and that’s the point. It’s about choosing what brings clarity, calm, or connection.

Why join Techtimeout tuesday?

A unique opportunity for workplaces to empower their employees to take a step back from screens and engage in offline activities. This collective effort is a powerful reminder to strike a balance between technology use and real-life experiences.

Taking part in this awareness day is a powerful way to:

• Prioritise employee wellbeing with a simple but meaningful action
• Encourage real-world connection among teams and individuals
• Lead cultural change by modelling balance in a digital-first world
• Raise awareness around how tech use impacts mental health and performance

Organisations that join in will gain access to free resources to help plan and promote the day with ease.

A message from our Chief Executive

“Technology is embedded in almost everything we do at work. While it brings many benefits, it also blurs the boundaries between our professional and personal lives.“According to research by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), over a third of employees find it hard to switch off outside of working hours, with digital overload being a key contributor. That’s why it’s so important for employers to prioritise digital wellbeing as part of their broader approach to mental health.

“At MHFA England, we continue to lead by example. We are proud to once again support ‘Techtimeout tuesday’ on Tuesday 2 December. We’ll be marking the day with activities that encourage us all to reflect on our relationship with technology and take practical steps to protect our wellbeing. I encourage organisations across the country to get involved and take the opportunity to pause, unplug, and reset.”

Sarah McIntosh, Chief Executive, MHFA England

Source: CIPD, Health and Wellbeing at Work Report 2023

Join Us for #TechTimeOutTuesday

We understand that supporting employee mental health is not just about offering tools and resources; it's about creating an inclusive and supportive culture.

We invite all organisations to join us and get involved in Techtimeout tuesday on Tuesday 2 December 2025. Together, let's take a break from technology, encourage our teams to engage in offline activities, and promote a healthier relationship with technology.

How to get involved

Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025

Challenge: One hour offline

Support: Free digital toolkit with ideas, posters, and planning resources

Sign up now and join the growing number of organisations championing digital wellbeing in the workplace.