The use of technology to protect an employee’s physical and mental health is known as digital wellness, also referred to as digital well-being. The goal of digital wellness is to design technology to encourage healthy use and proactively help the user to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although employees rely on their digital devices and the internet to conduct their tasks, the excessive usage of social media during the workday is a typical illustration of how technology may negatively impact employees.
For instance, some technologies include “do not disturb” features that silence smartphone notifications and block out focused work hours, or they might warn users when their daily screen usage exceeds recommended thresholds. Other digital wellness technologies concentrate on enhancing the work environment for employees when using technology. These digital wellness aids include automation and little applications that take the place of tedious approval chores and RSVPs on the calendar.
Importance of digital wellness
Digital wellness is significant because it empowers workers to live healthier lives both inside and outside of the workplace and to be more engaged and productive. By implementing digital wellness practices, employees will be better able to concentrate on their work and experience less fatigue and distraction. Research shows that employees who check their smartphones three or four times a day, for instance, are more productive than those who check them once every ten minutes.
Undoubtedly, the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly increased digital culture as many businesses have, for the first time, given their staff the choice of working remotely. Given how ingrained digital technologies are in our daily lives, it is now more crucial than ever to take their effects on our wellness into account.
And for this reason, the value of digital wellness is so widely discussed. It requires developing and upholding a positive, balanced connection with technology in all aspects of our life, especially in our personal ones.
What is an example of digital health and wellness?
Several best practices exist to enhance digital wellness and health. Implementing screen time restrictions, using blue-light-blocking eyewear to reduce eyestrain, and turning off mobile device notifications to avoid continual interruptions are all examples of common digital wellness practices. It’s crucial to continue with appropriate eating, sleeping, and exercise routines.
By establishing whitespace time on staff schedules, businesses may encourage digital health and wellness on an organizational level. Employees can forgo digital screens and other digital technology during this “unplugged time” and concentrate on in-person meetings, brainstorming, and other mindfulness exercises instead.
Bottom line
The importance of digital wellness has become significant for corporate wellness. Lack of physical activity can slow down one’s intellectual wellness, and therefore, employers today must prioritize employees’ overall well-being through actionable measures to curb the rising mental and behavioral health conditions.
Empowered employees remain more committed to their work and digital wellness helps manage robust corporate health policies by encouraging employees to be fit and engaged throughout.