Study Shows Small Reduction In Smartphone Use Improves Work Motivation

A recent study suggests that curbing smartphone usage by just one hour per day could significantly improve employee satisfaction and motivation in the workplace. 

The study, published by German Center for Mental Health, examined the effects of reduced screen time on work satisfaction and overall employee well-being. The study divided participants into four groups based on daily behaviors. 

Fortune Well reports that one group reduced daily smartphone use by an hour, another increased daily physical activity by 30 minutes, a third combined both changes, and a control group made no changes. Researchers assessed the participants’ well-being before, immediately after, and two weeks post-intervention. 

The findings were clear: employees in the smartphone reduction group and the combination group reported major improvements in their mental health, work-life balance, and job satisfaction.  

The study also cited that employees felt reduced feelings of work overload and other symptoms associated with excessive smartphone use among these groups.  

“A conscious and controlled reduction of non-work-related screen time, in combination with more physical activity, could improve employees’ work satisfaction and mental health,” said lead researcher Julia Brailovskaia, PhD.  

The study revealed that all participants who were asked to change their behavior experienced notable reductions in depressive symptoms and an improved sense of control. However, the study also had certain demographic constraints — particularly the relatively young sample group.  

Fortune reports that no participants were over 28 years old, and all participants were white. This reveals a need for further research into this topic to verify these findings, including a broader age range and different racial demographics spanning across the workforce. 

There’s been a rise in workers in different sectors facing burnout challenges because of “always-on” work cultures. Simple strategies like reducing non-essential smartphone use offer an additional strategy to managing well-being at work.  

The blurring of work with personal life is leading many countries to push for the right to disconnect, to combat worker burnout and address growing concerns about work-life balance in the age of remote work.  

The implications of this research are very important as employers seek simple, cost-effective strategies to improve attraction and retention. By encouraging employees to limit non-essential screen time and promoting physical activity, businesses can take a proactive role in improving employee benefits.