Future of Work: Spotlight on wellbeing part 1 – technology
17/09/2024
By Peter Workman
The articles in our Future of Work series describe trends that are unfolding everywhere in the world of work, and where we think they are heading. The speed and intensity of change seems greater in 2024 than at any other time we have lived through. In these articles, we highlight different aspects of the transformation of working culture. To date we have considered hybrid working, the challenges posed by AI, and the Dutch focus on greater wellbeing in the workplace.
Most would agree that the process of transformation has accelerated since we emerged from the pandemic. So, partly inspired by the Dutch wellbeing topic, I am writing a short series within our Future of Work category, aimed at helping readers consider how they can personally flourish (and influence their companies in the right direction) in the current landscape.
Corporate life, and life in most white collar roles in the private or public sector, is now higher pressure than ever. The question all of us are asking is, how can we best thrive in this environment. I will therefore look at several paths towards greater wellbeing. These involve using the tools available to us in 2024 – in technology, working practices and otherwise – to maintain balance, and therefore health and wellbeing.
In this first article, we’ll consider the engine of all change: technology. Can it be enlisted to serve us, in relation to our wellbeing, rather than enslave us?
Technology has revolutionised nearly every aspect of our lives. Innovations of recent decades include the internet and the smartphone. Self-evidently, these offer some excellent tools for wellbeing. However, this same technology also poses challenges, arising from constant connectivity and the removal of boundaries between work and personal life. So individuals and employers alike should take steps to ensure that technology serves as a tool for wellbeing rather than a source of stress.
Dealing first with positives: technology has made wellbeing resources more accessible than ever before. Apps like Headspace and Calm offer guided meditation sessions that help users manage stress and anxiety. These platforms provide a convenient way for individuals to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routines. Additionally, telehealth services have made therapy and counselling more accessible, especially for those living in remote areas or those who struggle to find time for in-person appointments.
Technology also facilitates social connections. Social media platforms allow people to stay in touch with friends and family, even across great distances. During the pandemic, many relied on video calls and messaging apps to maintain their social ties, which helped reduce feelings of isolation. Online communities can provide spaces where individuals with similar interests and experiences can support one another, creating a sense of belonging and understanding.
However, a major flip side is that constant connectivity can be detrimental to our wellbeing. The pervasive presence of smartphones and the internet means that many people find it difficult to disconnect from work and other obligations. The expectation of being “always on” can lead to burnout, as individuals struggle to find time for rest and personal activities. This phenomenon, often referred to as “digital fatigue,” can exacerbate stress and anxiety, as the line between work and personal life becomes increasingly blurred.
Social media, while beneficial for maintaining connections, can also contribute to our digital fatigue. The constant stream of curated content can lead to feelings of inadequacy, as people compare their lives to the seemingly perfect lives of others.
Given the ever-increasing hegemony of technology in our lives, what can be done to amplify its benefits and mitigate its drawbacks? While individuals can adopt their own personal rules, these will be unsustainable for most if they are not supported by a policy from employers. So employers play a critical role and this is likely to be a growing subject of discussion, within the world of work, in the years ahead.
To promote wellbeing, companies can implement policies that encourage healthy digital habits. For instance, they can set clear boundaries for work hours, discouraging employees from checking emails or responding to work-related messages after hours. Some companies have adopted “digital detox” days, where employees are encouraged to unplug. These policies help ensure that technology remains a tool for productivity without encroaching on personal time.
Employers can also offer resources for digital wellness, such as training in managing digital distractions and encouraging breaks from screens. Promoting a culture that values work-life balance, where taking time off and setting boundaries are respected, can significantly improve employee wellbeing.
Throughout my own professional career, organisations have (to a greater or lesser degree) made moves to prioritise wellbeing. The typical large professional firm, which is the environment I know best, might grant workers additional holiday to be taken after completion of a large assignment, and might provide access to wellbeing-related resources such as gym memberships. Some firms would provide impressive on-site facilities. So these issues were being actively addressed, in some quarters, long before the recent digital transformations. However, the effect of such transformations – with their massively increased potential for worker burnout – is to make the wellbeing discussion mandatory for smart and forward-looking employers.
As the parallel benefits and demands generated by technology continue to increase, this will become increasingly a focus for businesses in the future.
Over in the articles which follow, we will turn our attention to other aspects of wellbeing and how it can be promoted to encourage better outcomes in the world of work.
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