Over 50 attended our free February e-clinic which focused on the relationships we all have with technology.
Our Wellbeing Manager, Kerry B Mitchell, joined forces with Steph Henson, Founder and Managing Director of Techtimeout – an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals everywhere reap the rewards of a positive tech/life balance.
The session looked at current research around the effects of technology on our mental health, sleep, and productivity, shared insights into the addictive nature of tech and its impact on employee wellbeing, and outlined the tools and techniques we can all use to ensure we benefit from less screen time and more ‘me’ time.
With over 4 billion people using mobile devices to go online, 191 million active websites currently on the web, and 500 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every single minute of the day, our exposure to technology is more prominent – and constant – than ever before.
And, with our workplaces and households filled to the brim with technological devices – from mobiles and tablets to games consoles and TVs – it’s not surprising that many of us struggle to have anywhere near enough ‘screen-free’ time throughout the day.
Kerry highlighted how this ‘always on’ world we’re accustomed to can be hugely detrimental to our mental health, often resulting in poor sleep patterns, lack of focus, and reduced physical connections – with even more negative impacts including heightened levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.
With more and more of us now having to work from home due to the current pandemic, this culture of tech-reliance is only set to increase. As part of the session, Steph shared some top tips on how we can all create and nurture a better working relationship with technology so that we’re able to benefit from enhanced productivity levels, improved focus, and more positive mental health.
In addition to our monthly e-clinics, the Paycare Wellbeing team runs a dedicated two-day virtual accredited MHFA (Mental Health First Aid) course, with the next one starting on the 25th March. For more information or to book your place, visit https://www.paycare.org/wellbeing/.
Our next e-clinic will be held on Tuesday 9th March at 10am, and will be looking at the subject of ‘Employee Appreciation’ – looking at ways to engage, recognise, and reward employees and tips to implement effective workplace wellbeing strategies.
To secure your complimentary place, simply email wellbeing@paycare.org.
Now you’ve finished reading our blog, it’d be great if you could grab a few minutes of screen-free time! Go for a walk, read a book, enjoy some mindfulness or meditation, cook your favourite dish, or just sit and enjoy ‘being’ for a moment or two! 😊