Workers are increasingly overwhelmed by constant connectivity and are seeking formal periods of digital silence free from notifications, emails, and calls. Nearly half of surveyed UK workers prioritize protected, distraction-free times in their workday. Multiple messaging platforms and collaboration tools contribute to frequent interruptions and task switching. Forty percent report email and chat notifications disrupt work, with disruptions highest among 51–55-year-olds. Over one-third feel pressure to be constantly online, with 47% of 26–30-year-olds experiencing that pressure. Digital downtime is presented as a way to protect productivity, reduce pressure, and improve workplace culture.
Workers are becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the "always on" culture at their jobs, and are calling for formal periods of "digital silence". That's according to research from Twilio, which found staff are pushing employers to allocate periods free from notifications and emails. The study, based on a survey of more than 1,200 UK-based workers, found nearly half (47%) are prioritizing protected times in their daily workflow that are free from distractions, email chains, and calls.
Sam Richardson, director of executive engagement for EMEA and APJ at Twilio, said while these tools have transformed how workers connect and collaborate, they can hamper productivity by bogging workers down. "As digital tools become increasingly embedded in our everyday routines, digital downtime may be the answer to combatting the "always on" environment that's impeding productivity, creating pressure, and damaging workplace culture," she said.
According to Twilio, 40% of respondents noted that email and chat notifications disrupt their ability to get work done, with employees frequently dragged onto new tasks. This was highest among workers aged 51-55, according to Twilio, with 50% of senior employees reporting disruptions in their workflows. Along with disruptions, workers also feel they have to appear visible in their daily work routines, an issue exacerbated by the use of workplace collaboration platforms. More than one-third (38%) said they feel "pressure to be constantly online" and immediately respond to messages and emails during work hours. This trend was most prevalent among workers aged 26-30 years old, according to Twilio, cited by 47% of those in that age group.
Collection
[
|
...
]