The techtimeout10 challenge
Screen time is at an all time high. We love technology but is it possible to have too much of a good thing? Research shows that mindlessly overusing technology can negatively impact mental health.
That’s why The DM Lab team are taking on the techtimeout10 challenge
The first step to helping ourselves and our employees find an online / offline balance is awareness. This is where this challenge comes in… Throughout the 10 days, ourselves, Harv and Joe will be able to see how dependent we are on our devices while enjoying some time away from screens and notifications while here at the office.
We’ll be encouraging one another to head into town for our lunch, no phones, away from the computers, grab a coffee and take a seat for half an hour. Wellness in the workplace is something we actively pursue and a step like this, as small as it is, will have a huge benefit going forward. However, the team are welcome to indulge the challenge further at home if they like too!
Constant digital distraction and 24/7 connection really hampers creativity and productivity. Showing ourselves and the staff how to reduce digital distraction will improve productivity and focusing power. Some tech-free time each day can also benefit our mental health and wellbeing as it has been a tough year and a half as it is.
Benefits of the techtimeout10 challenge:
Raise awareness of the impact of technology overuse on mental health and productivity
Help our employees consider their relationship with their screens
Better tech / life balance translates to happier and healthier employees
It’s fun to find activities that don’t involve technology – it’s a good conversation starter
We care about our team and taking part shows our commitment to addressing their mental wellbeing
What is the techtimeout10 challenge?
We will all actively be taking some time away from technology every day, for 10 days. It really is that simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It can be difficult as we’re used to having our phones with us 24/7. Plus being sat in front of our PCs for 8 odd hours a day for instance means it will be a challenge!
Chris and Dale will be actively involved too. This will encourage Harv and Joe to embrace the challenge. Although we get to know each other every single day through general office chit chat, leaving the building and doing something different together will help us bond further. If there’s one thing we’re proud of, it’s The DM Lab team and how well we all work together.
Workplace stress, anxiety and depression are increasing as a result of the impact of technology.
Although the junior level staff aren’t exposed or burdened with what the directors have to endure on a daily basis running the business, we still want them to enjoy working and not suffer from anything triggered by the work they undertake.
In 2020, 79% of British adults experience work-related stress, compared to 59% in 2018. There were 828,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the UK (2019 / 2020).
Stress, anxiety and depression is thought to be responsible for almost half of working days lost in the UK. We’re fortunate that our young team show incredible dedication and enthusiasm. Throughout his entire apprenticeship, Harv didn’t take a single day off sick. 100% attendance which is a credit to him. However, Joe isn’t far behind this either, having completed his first year with us, hasn’t been off sick either. We hope that getting involved in the techtimeout challenge will help us to create an even better working environment for us and the staff.
We’ll post our progress on our social channels and above all hope we’ve inspired you and / or your workplace to get involved too! Details of the challenge are here.
You can also read more about our sustainability efforts here if you’d like to.
