Our Vision on Digital Wellbeing

What is Digital Wellbeing?

Digital wellbeing refers to the subjective experience of an individual achieving an optimal balance between the benefits and drawbacks of mobile connectivity. This state encompasses both affective and cognitive evaluations of how digital connectivity integrates into daily life. Individuals attain digital well-being when they experience controlled pleasure and functional support, while minimizing loss of control and functional impairment.

While there are numerous definitions available, a general consensus is that digital well-being pertains to the degree to which our digital interactions enhance or detract from our overall well-being.

Individuals who are digitally healthy can manage online stress, engage in beneficial digital behaviors, and use information technologies in ways that allow them to flourish.

Why is it so important?

Information technology has become increasingly central to work and daily life. This shift has yielded numerous benefits. For many, work has become more engaging and varied. Organizations have seen significant productivity gains, contributing to society’s prosperity. However, without proper balance, individuals risk overwork or burnout. Some researchers have even linked excessive exposure to information technology with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

We must recognize that our brains operate differently from digital devices, and the impact on mental well-being is becoming more apparent. The influence of technology goes beyond our minds, affecting us physically and socially. Many office workers spend long hours seated behind computers, which can lead to reduced physical activity and related health concerns. Excessive smartphone use can cause eye strain or neck problems.

Our research suggests that using phones up to bedtime increases the likelihood of insomnia, a finding supported by other studies. The pervasive presence of technology in our lives also affects our social interactions, both positively and negatively. Excessive use may cause individuals to neglect their surroundings, leading to isolation. On the other hand, those lacking digital skills might also feel isolated due to difficulties connecting with others.

It’s essential to note that technology itself isn’t harmful. In fact, used properly, it can enhance well-being. Technology can monitor sleep, motivate exercise, and automate repetitive tasks. The issue lies not in technology itself but in how we design and use it. In summary, our digital devices can boost productivity, happiness, and health. However, if we don’t respect the limitations of our brains, the effects can be counterproductive.

This was confirmed in a meta-analysis we conducted with Ruut Veenhoven, a happiness researcher at Erasmus University. The key lies in balance. Overexposure to technology can cause stress and mental challenges, while underexposure may result in isolation. Properly managed, technology can enhance or diminish our happiness.

What does this mean for organizations?

Given the importance of digital well-being, we believe organizations must understand the interaction between technology and the brain. Helping employees navigate this interaction is vital. Achieving digital well-being requires individuals to enhance their well-being, with support from their employers. We have initiated a research program to understand digital well-being’s core components and explore ways to improve it.

Through our research, we’ve identified four crucial elements of employees’ digital well-being.

Four indicators of digital wellbeing

Leveraging the insights gathered, we have outlined four central indiactors of digital well-being:

Digital Means

The first is the digital workplace, which includes hardware, software, and network facilities available to employees. It also includes the efficiency of desktop or laptop environments and remote access capabilities. Our research shows that digital means affect both happiness and productivity. Employees who are comfortable using digital tools tend to enjoy their work more and be more productive. Outdated or glitchy resources can lead to frustration, stress, and fatigue.

Digital Support

The third indicator is digital support. This includes help from central and local helpdesks, relationships with IT departments, and services offered by private helpdesks, like home internet providers. Colleagues and personal networks also play a part in providing support. When people feel supported, they feel more anchored and connected. Access to support channels—whether through helpdesks, customer service, or online forums—reduces frustration.

Digital Skills

The second indicator is digital skills. This includes self-assessment of proficiency, motivation to improve skills, and opportunities for training. It’s essential not only to have the right resources but also the skills to work happily and productively. Employees who know how to use digital tools effectively can boost productivity and creativity. Our research shows a positive correlation between digital skills, productivity, and creativity.

However, advanced digital skills can also lead to unhealthy digital habits due to overuse. Skilled individuals often assist others, which can lead to stress if not managed properly.

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Digital Behavior

The fourth indicator is digital behavior. This involves using technology responsibly, both at work and in personal settings. It includes moderating digital consumption to prevent overuse and fostering positive online and offline social behavior. Unhealthy digital behaviors, such as excessive smartphone use or frequent online meetings, can increase stress and reduce productivity.

Digital Wellbeing leads to …

Focusing on the four indicators of digital well-being brings numerous benefits:

Happiness

A concerted effort towards nurturing digital well-being can usher in a wave of happiness among end users. This is manifested not just in a general sense of happiness but extends to fostering a greater level of enthusiasm in their daily engagements. Moreover, it paves the way for enriched social interactions, fostering a community spirit and a harmonious atmosphere. The ripple effect of this is seen in an improved atmosphere, both at the workplace and in personal spaces, nurturing environments that are conducive to growth and happiness.

Health

The health benefits are equally significant, with a notable improvement in general health being a direct outcome of enhanced digital well-being. It aids in the reduction of various forms of stress, be it work-related, personal, or technostress, thereby promoting a healthier mental state. Furthermore, it facilitates a reduced workload, helping individuals manage their tasks more efficiently without feeling overwhelmed. This naturally leads to individuals feeling less tired, paving the way for a healthier work-life balance.

Productivity

On the productivity front, the gains are substantial. By fostering digital well-being, individuals find themselves gaining time, a resource most precious in today’s fast-paced world. It nurtures a space where individuals are not only more productive but also find the creative latitude to innovate and think out of the box. The end result is a workforce that is more attuned to the demands of the digital age, capable of leveraging digital resources to their optimum potential, and driving forward with creativity and innovation. This is not only beneficial for the company; our research shows that employees who are productive also achieve a higher level of well-being.

Flexibility

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, flexibility is key for individuals as well as organizations. It encompasses the readiness and ability to adapt to new technologies swiftly, a trait that is indispensable in maintaining a competitive edge in today’s market. When employees attain a high level of digital well-being, they naturally cultivate a mindset geared towards continuous learning and adaptability, which eases the transition amidst the ever-evolving waves of digital transformation. This, in turn, enhances the overall flexibility of an organization. By prioritizing and nurturing digital well-being, organizations empower their teams to be agile and resilient, fully equipped to harness the potential of emerging technologies to the fullest.

Thriving Workforce

Organizations that prioritize digital well-being position themselves as attractive employers, drawing in talent that is aligned with a forward-thinking and digitally conscious ethos. Moreover, a focus on digital well-being aids in retaining talent, creating a work environment where individuals feel supported and valued. By fostering a culture that values digital well-being, organizations not only hold on to their talent but nurture a workforce that is engaged, satisfied, and productive, thereby creating a sustainable and thriving workforce.