Analog January is having a moment as many people try to reduce their screen time and explore offline hobbies and interests instead. And while many workers don’t have the ability to digitally disconnect in their jobs, there are some steps they can take to reduce their tech overwhelm at work.
“We are inundated with all kinds of data and communications constantly,” says Paul Leonardi, who is the department chair and Duca Family professor of technology management at UC Santa Barbara and the author of “Digital Exhaustion: Simple Rules for Reclaiming Your Life.”
Still, “there’s this expectation that we’re always right on top of everything” and that we’ll have “constant availability” anywhere and anytime because of our devices, he adds.
Many people feel overwhelmed as a result and might feel particularly drained at work. Leonardi shares three tips that can help you reduce your digital exhaustion on the job.
Slack, email, meetings: We have no shortage of forums for communicating at work. But using one poorly suited to a particular message could lead to misunderstandings and cost people more time in back-and-forth conversations.
