Beware (of) digital overload

Telecommuting has only exacerbated the feelings of tiredness we already experienced from using digital technology. The term “digital fatigue” has entered our everyday vocabulary. How can you beat it and start to enjoy your work again (and, as a consequence, become more productive)?

Enough is enough! You’re trying to follow a Zoom meeting while replying as coherently as possible to your instant messages. The number of emails in your inbox is going sky high, and the reminder about that next meeting is already flashing. You feel alone, overextended and – most of all – extremely tired.

Based on

A World without Email : Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload
by Cal Newport (Portfolio, march 2021).

Digital technology + home working = a trap

In the pre-pandemic world, you had to cope with endless interruptions, app notifications and relentless reminders. These demands made you feel as though you were really busy – but also exhausted and ultimately not very productive. You hoped that the spread of remote working would finally mean you could be more focused and save time by not having to commute and avoiding unnecessary discussions with colleagues.