Posted July 20, 2020 by Mark Perna
To find the perfect work-life blend, sometimes you need to reset. Mark’s article, “How A Technology Detox Can Save You From Burnout” published at Forbes.com on July 15, 2020.
Burned out at work? You’re not alone.
Zapier’s Digital Natives Report found that a majority of Gen-Z (69%) and Millennial (73%) employees have experienced job burnout. What’s more, 75% of Gen-Zers and 50% of Millennials have, voluntarily or involuntarily, left a job for mental health reasons.
Though younger workers are often stereotyped as being lazy and apathetic, the study reveals that they’re actually dedicated to their job—perhaps to a fault. Millennials, who now comprise the largest generation in the workplace, join Gen-Z as the most stressed-out generational cohort working today.
Today’s ever-expanding work tech—designed to increase employee connectivity and productivity in the age of remote work—is a key culprit in the stress and burnout epidemic. According to Zapier, roughly seven in 10 Gen-Z (71%) and Millennial (69%) employees admit they are constantly on or checking their work communication tools outside of work. Additionally, roughly one-third of Gen-Z employees (33%) and almost two in five Millennial employees (39%) say they check their work email/messaging tools more than they check their personal social media.
Moreover, both Gen-Zers and Millennials see these work behaviors as the norm—not just for themselves, but also for their other coworkers. Roughly two-thirds of Gen-Z employees (66%) and almost three in five Millennial employees (57%) say they expect their teammates to respond to them outside of work hours. Combine such constant connectedness with overwork and it’s not a pretty picture. What’s more, it’s not even helping us get more done.
Joshua Becker, a pioneer in the minimalism movement, reveals 5 signs that you need a technology detox. Among them: you spend more time on digital devices, the internet and social platforms than intended, you feel guilt or dissatisfaction afterwards, and you are motivated by a fear of missing out.
Admit it, Gen-Zers and Millennials: You get it.
The good news? A technology detox, along with some other simple work-life changes, may be easier than you think. Four tips:
Ready? A technology detox isn’t a magic bullet. It is, however, a simple and doable step in the right direction. Better yet, it can lead to other work-life changes that will help you stave off stress and burnout—and safeguard your mental health.