6th March 2025
For years, medical professionals have indicated that the rise of depression correlates directly with the increasing amount of time we spend glued to our devices.
In response to this, we:
Anything to protect our mental health.
However, while these precautions are effective, it isn’t easy to avoid technology altogether…
Not in a world where businesses are undergoing intense and dramatic digital transformation.
Even if you go out of your way to grant yourself that much-needed break from your phone, it’s likely that you have to use a computer every day for work. This time we spend staring at a screen quickly adds up, having devastating consequences on our personal wellbeing.
In 2018, the average office worker would spend around 1,700 hours on a computer screen every year. It’s easy to assume that this number has increased significantly since then, due to a multitude of reasons. Not only is technology constantly improving and offering more and more advantages to businesses, but it’s actively reshaped our entire working culture.
A recent report has revealed that 1 in 6 UK adults suffer from depression.
This stems from feelings of anxiety, stress, and loneliness; all of which have been reported by remote employees over the course of the pandemic.
Today:
This suggests that there’s a real issue arising across the country that needs to be addressed.
While the rising reliance on technology isn’t the only reason for poor mental health, there appears to be some clear (although indirect) consequences of an organisation’s digital transformation.
When businesses integrate technology into every aspect of their workplace, their culture changes significantly. Employees are granted benefits like flexible schedules, but this comes with a whole host of new expectations.
Individuals have to be highly accountable for their personal productivity and are often held accountable for their actions. Teams have reported that they struggle to “switch off” when working from home – which leads to a natural rise in stress and anxiety.
“Being glued to our devices bears the assumption that we’ll respond as instantaneously as we receive the message. Feeling like you’re always “on” is exhausting. Connectivity leads to stress and anxiety, which often lead to depression. But being accessible 24/7 is not only unenjoyable – it’s unfeasible.” – Achieve Medical Centre
Combined with the feelings of isolation and loneliness that all remote workers, it’s no wonder that employee depression levels are on the rise. It seems that some time away from all technology devices could prove critical to the status of our mental health.
Regardless of the core reason why poor mental health is incredibly prevalent across the UK, there’s certainly some work to be done.
It’s the responsibility of all employers to support their teams as much as possible and track employee wellbeing.
From today, leaders should start asking themselves what they can do to mitigate the risks of a mentally ill and underperforming team.
Wherever possible, start to embed channels of support into your workplace and build relationships so that employees can be honest with you when they are feeling low.
Teach your employees about the importance of taking their breaks and going for walks during the work day, or, at the very least, stepping away from their desks.
If you have the budget, try to provide subsidies for gym memberships and art classes as these can boost moods and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Be proactive about addressing talent shortages within your organisation. This way, employees aren’t working unnecessary and damaging overtime without the opportunity to rest.
Growing your team will help reduce individual workloads, providing employees with the vital space they need to rest and rejuvenate. The expert recruiters at Ross Clifford & Associates can identify shortages within your workforce and address issues before it’s too late.