Digital detox. Does the phrase make you roll your eyes or grab your attention? Lately, you’d be forgiven for thinking that the idea of switching off from technology, particularly your smart phone (if people still call them that as they are so ubiquitous) has become a media fad. A litmus test for this might be how much air time BBC R2 give the subject. Over the past few weeks it has figured a lot, particularly Chris Evans referencing it in a Japanese themed week and a Friday morning interview with the neuroscientist Dr Jack Lewis who shared his tops tips for a digital detox. No doubt the Daily mail is jumping on the bandwagon as well.
None of this is new. The idea of finding a balance between using technology in a smart way and the danger of it becoming an obstacle for human interaction has been debated many times. But are we learning? Are we applying the lessons? No one disagrees with the ideas put forward by Jack Lewis, but how practical are his ideas for modern workplaces?
People are changing. Humans are still evolving, and technology is not going away. It needs to adapt, but we also need to adapt to it.
Everyone needs a break – it’s a natural detox. The difference now is we have given it a ‘term’ that is easily identified by the media anyone who need a ‘thing’ to identify with. That ‘fad’ element might have workplace professionals turning reaching for the off switch on the radio, but it doesn’t mean the arguments are wrong. We just need to tailor them to different working environments, cultures and team. Put aside the marketing speak emanating from Japanese gurus championing ikigai and find out what works for your workplace.