🔗 Master Your Technology, Don’t Be a Slave to It

While rapid advancements in computer and mobile technology offer undeniable benefits, there are legitimate concerns regarding our dependence on these gadgets. Smartphones, in particular, appear to be significantly impacting productivity. Deloitte found that users aged $18$-$24$ check their phones an average of 74 times per day, and all modern devices contribute to this issue.

Given the smart device industry’s relative youth—the iPhone is less than 10 years old—the full impact of this heavy usage remains unknown. However, existing studies suggest that excessive engagement with chosen gadgets could have lasting consequences.

The Shrinking Attention Span

Research from Microsoft indicates that the average human attention span has dramatically shrunk by one-third since the turn of the century, dropping from $12$ seconds to just eight seconds in 2013. Troubling statistics like this suggest that far from being benign additions to our lives, excessive device use can severely hamper productivity.

Small business owners have a responsibility for the wellbeing of their employees. This includes fostering a work environment where people can gain relief from incessant texts, tweets, and emails. Here are ways to manage the constant stream of alerts and reclaim focus:

Utilize “Do Not Disturb” Mode

Notifications—from chimes and buzzing calls to email dings—are a constant distraction. According to the Harvard Business Review, productivity problems can arise simply from knowing that notifications are coming in, even if they aren’t checked.

Instead of individually turning off every app notification, most modern operating systems offer temporary solutions when focus is required. On iOS devices and Mac, the “Do Not Disturb” feature can be configured to improve productivity.

• Manual or Scheduled: You can manually activate the mode when you need to focus, or schedule it to turn on automatically during specific working hours.

A simple feature like Do Not Disturb can significantly improve the work rate and wellbeing of you and your employees.

Unshackle Yourself with Breaks and Mobility

If the relentless onslaught of notifications becomes overwhelming, sometimes the best solution is to unplug and step away from your workstation. Research repeatedly proves the value of taking breaks during the workday.

• Mental Acuity: Health Decide notes that studies show taking a break of up to five minutes can improve mental acuity by $13\%$.
• Productivity Boost: Regular, two-minute breaks can increase overall productivity by over $11\%$.

For employees who feel anxiety about leaving their computer, maintaining an emergency tether is necessary. Building a mobility element into your IT solutions offers the best of both worlds: the freedom to leave the office for air while remaining connected enough to respond to genuine emergencies.

Apps as the Answer

It may seem contradictory, but using an app to conquer dependence on your device is an effective strategy. Apps are available for every OS to help reduce reliance:

• Moment (iOS): Allows users to set daily usage limits on their iPhone and alerts them when the limit is exceeded.
• SelfControl (Mac): Allows users to block access to specific distracting websites (like social media URLs) for preset periods, forcing concentration on tasks.

No matter which device you use, various options are available to help you regain control and stay on task.

If you’re after equipment to help your office stay productive – anything from better mobile IT integration to Mac rental – talk to the team at Imagetext Integrated Solutions today.