Power Down And Unplug

Isn’t technology great? We love our mobile devices, tablets and smartphones because they keep us connected to the world. We can find the answer to any question around the clock. Workers report that technology makes getting work done easier and enhances communication among coworkers, as well as increasing flexibility and productivity.

But these tech wonders are making it increasingly difficult for employees to separate themselves from the office outside of regular work hours and simply unplug. According to a recent American Psychological Association survey, more than half of employed adults say they check work messages during the week before or after work, on weekends at minimum once a day, even when they are home sick. Nearly half of the workers surveyed say they check work messages while on vacation.

This 24/7 access to technology and the working world can have detrimental effects on workers. More than one-third of American workers say their workload has increased due to constant connectivity. This makes it nearly impossible to take a break and stop thinking about work.

Steps to unplug when you need to:

1. Set waking hours that you’ll be unreachable by cell phone, email, Facebook, texts, etc. You’ll want to start small at first, say, from 9 to 10 p.m. Add time as needed.

2. Intentionally spend time with family and friends in “no-tech” zones. When you’re out to dinner, have everyone put their tech devices in the center of the table. The first one to answer a call, text or status update buys the table dinner.

3. If you have a home office, set a time to quit each day. At 5 p.m., power down your computer, turn out the lights and shut the door.

4. Fast from the various electronic games on your phone and tablet. These are massive time sucks and add zero value to your life.

Power Down And Unplug