In a post-pandemic world, we are more digitally-led than ever before (especially when it comes to ways of working), but have we really learned how to take care of our own wellbeing in an ever-changing landscape?
Inspired by our recent AllBright MEETS in partnership with Logitech, where we brought women together to discuss and promote a better work-life balance and reduce the impact of digital working, we delve into how digital mindfulness can help to transform our working lives.
What is digital mindfulness?
The practice of digital mindfulness is essentially being intentional and present when using technology. This helps us focus on creating healthy digital and physical environments for the time we do spend behind a screen. It also involves becoming aware of the impact of technology on our overall wellbeing and taking steps to reduce any negative impact this may have on our lives.
So what steps can we take to be more digitally mindful? We spoke to Delphine Donné, GM & VP at Logitech’s Personal Workspace Solutions, to find out more.
Digital declutter
The first step to achieving digital mindfulness is to understand how your mental health and digital habits are linked. For instance, do you consistently work on your device when you get home, creating no separation between your work life and home life? Routines like this tend to have a detrimental impact on our mental health and can bring about stress and anxiety.
However, setting clear boundaries on when and how you use technology can be transformative. For example, setting a rule to only using technology that aligns to your goals and values can mean snoozing your notifications in your lunch break, allowing a walk free from distractions to help you to be more productive for the rest of your day.
Another part of digital decluttering is to recognise how using technology impacts your thoughts and behaviours, and therefore emotions. For instance, do you have racing thoughts after spending all day replying to instant messages and then scrolling on social media?
Once you become self aware and notice how your body reacts to this, you can start to use technology in a more purposeful way. Are there social media accounts you can unfollow that cause you to feel a sense of anxiety, or are there times of the day you can ring fence to not reply to the constant stream of instant messages?
A physical space that promotes digital mindfulness
The physical space we work in can have a huge impact on how able we are to practice digital mindfulness. Delphine says, “Working long hours on the computer can take its toll on the body and mind, especially when you don’t have the right set-up. A few hours on the couch are manageable, but eight hours a day, two to five days a week, is a completely different experience. A personalised workspace set-up adapted to a person’s environment, body size, and needs can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and performance.”
Delphine also explains there are other, even simpler, things to take into consideration: your posture, for example. She advises that your elbows should be at about 90 degrees for typing, you have lower back support, softer seating, knees at about 90 degrees, and feet flat on the floor.
She also explains that you should elevate your laptop to eye level to avoid bending your neck - something Logitech’s Casa Pop-Up Desk can help with, as the book-like case (which contains a keyboard, trackpad and storage compartment) folds into a handy stand!
Digital mindfulness of the future
Logitech aims to put wellbeing at the heart of the workday and is at the forefront of what trends lead the way when it comes to promoting work/life balance in the digitally led world. Delphine believes these two areas are key:
1. Flexibility
“Gone are the days when 9-to-5 was the only way to work. Happily, professional success is no longer defined by how late you work. Today, flexibility is key— not just in how we manage our time, but in our whole approach to work. The future calls for companies to stay nimble and to support the kind of work-life balance that everyone is looking for.
“It also makes us rethink how we lead. Every team member is different—some hit their stride working from home, while others prefer the buzz of the office. Some are early birds, some are night owls. Leaders who get this create a place where every worker can do their best. This shift empowers people to manage their work-life balance better, leading to happier, more productive days. In my opinion, it will also help as an accelerator to get more women into the workforce.”
2. Home stays home
“People don’t want to turn their home into an office, especially when they’re challenged with space. So, rather than looking for office-like technology or design, they look for something that blends with the design of their home. This is where new solutions like our Casa Pop-Up Desk come in: it packs away in moments - out of sight, out of mind - keeping home, home and perfectly blending in with your decor.”
And what role will Logitech play in shaping the future of the personal workspace environment? Delphine says, “When we look at the future of work, we design it with the human in mind. We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I remember some years ago I was presented with our latest innovation, one of our much-loved flagship mice, but I could not even touch the wheel, it was too big for my hands. So, we developed a version designed for users with small hands. It was a journey of learning, of addressing bias, and of forming project teams.”
It’s clear that for many, hybrid working is here to stay. And to continue valuing work wellbeing as highly as productivity or outputs, we need to find new ways to look after our mental and physical wellness. Companies like Logitech are finding new solutions and ways to support our health and happiness at work, and create that ultimate balance of work life and home life.
To find out more about the Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk, visit Logitech.