Absenteeism and Productivity
technology addiction & work
The age of connectedness has brought many exceptional advantages to the workplace. Employees can work remotely, we have Skype meetings with people from all over the world, and our processes are automated to save time and money. However, the impact on humans have not been all that positive. We have become socially awkward, easily distracted, non-committal, and want instant results, experience, and promotions. And every day, it is becoming harder to make TechnoLife Wise choices.
The number of sick days that employees take are on the increase. More people are booked off for mental health reasons. Absenteeism is on the rise and productivity on the decline. And the cause: Technology addiction.
Several reasons impacting workers' efficacy are cited:
- Internet addiction physically changes the structure of the brain. It affects the grey and white matter in the prefrontal brain. This part of the brain is associated with attention, planning, remembering of details, and ordering duties and tasks. If a technology addiction has changed your brain you will battle to prioritise your work and life responsibilities.
- We are easily distracted. The moment your phone beeps you leave everything and check. Whether it is a Facebook post, like, a Whatsapp message, a notification that you have reached your destination.
- Our attention span is dropping. The brain can only process so much information at any given time. If you overload it by multitasking, your ability to focus becomes less.
- Instant gratification is the new patience. We send a text or e-mail and get an instant answer. We search for information and Google responds on the spot. If we don’t get an immediate response at work, we get desponded, distracted, and even angry. The result is that we lose interest and momentum.
We can help!
Have you noticed that your child, partner, or friend is missing work or school/college/university due to technology addiction?
Do you or a loved one battle to focus on anything but your devices?
Are your technology habits affecting your work or relationships?
Is it time to find a balance or stop?
We offer consultations, evaluations and coaching, as well as life-transforming and holistic Happy Neuro Hero courses.
You can also book Dr Marlena Kruger, Screen Addiction expert, Neuro-integrative Digital Well-being and Health Coach, today to talk with parents, educators and decision-makers at your school, church group or any other organisation.