TIME FOR A ‘DIGITAL DETOX’?
We explore the implications of constant connectivity for the working professional and the possible benefits of an occasional 'detox'Do you check your phone first thing in the morning? Does the thought of living without an Internet connection give you panic attacks? Then, it may be time to go on a ‘digital detox’.
Ever since the advent of the Internet, our usage and dependence on digital devices has only been on an upward curve. “This ‘activate-check-refresh’ cycle has become routine for most professionals today. They are constantly on e-mails and phone calls and social networks with colleagues in global markets and continuously getting downloads on various aspects of the company. Thanks to this age of technology, it has become extremely easy to be reachable anytime and anywhere. This association, however, has its consequences, both in personal and professional spheres. It is therefore absolutely necessary, that professionals take some time off, switch off and breathe,” opines Susir Kumar, CEO, Serco Global Services. A detox has potential advantages for the organisation as well. “The detox period can provide subordinates the opportunity to fill into their manager’s shoes and display their competence for higher responsibility. From an organisation’s perspective, since the detox period would be short, the risk would be minimised and would also reveal the indispensability of the CEO, which is as it is a huge risk given the probability of attrition or calamity,” suggests Deepak Adhar, VP - HR & administration decorative division, Greenply Industries Ltd.
The best way to take a break from digital devices is to combine it with a holiday. However, it’s worthwhile to take some precautions before doing that. “A detox works best when you have prepared for it in advance and ensured that there will be someone or a team to take care of urgent, critical requirements in your absence. If you switch off without prior preparation, you will likely worry about something going wrong, or something not happening as you may have planned it. In my case, I make sure that I inform all my stakeholders prior to going on a digital detox, and also brief them on critical issues, so that problems, if any, can be dealt with effectively,” says Faisal Husain, founder and CEO, Synechron. Husain goes on a digital detox twice a year, for the duration of a week each time. “I find it very useful since it allows me to switch off all external inputs coming via digital devices and return to my core. In that state, it becomes easier for me to gain a fresh perspective on my professional and personal bearings. Basically, you gain a fresh start by neutralising all the accumulated negativities and doubts, which is essential for decision-making,” he says. Kumar also takes a week-long break with his family every quarter, during which he has no access to technology.
Of course, the benefits of social media and digital devices are unarguable and steadfast users of the medium do not believe that there is a need to stay away at all. “Going for a digital detox is a personal choice, though I believe there are times when we need to switch off from the external world and focus on ourselves. A digital detox can help one to unwind and ideate better. As far as the detox affecting one’s work goes, I don’t think it has a negative impact; rather it helps to come back rejuvenated and improves productivity and efficiency in all spheres of our lives,” avers Mritunjay Singh, COO, Persistent Systems. His views are echoed by Yashwant Mahadik, head HR, business transformation and global learning, Philips, who is extremely active on several social media platforms. “I have consciously made sure that I don’t access social media first thing when I wake up, because that is addictive behaviour. The solution is to have planned rhythms and routines and that applies to all sorts of communication including email, messaging and social media. The key is to use digital media in a disciplined manner. Then it doesn’t need to get toxic,” he says.
Thus, deciding whether to take the occasional break from being connected 24/7 depends on how dependent you are on digital devices and platforms. However, should this decision be personal or should organisations play a part in it? “I don’t think the use of digital media affects productivity and there is no point regulating its use. You cannot treat adults like children by imposing restrictions. Social media has become a part of our lifestyle and that’s the way it should be looked at,” avers Mahadik. So, it is up to us to optimise digital mediums in a way that they don’t impact our work and lifestyles negatively.
By Ankita Shreeram TAS 140416
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