Technology and the use of digital tools areÌýa part of our everyday lives, both in and out of work.ÌýAt work we use these tools to communicate with colleagues and deliver care to our patients andÌýit’sÌýtherefore essential that our digital workspaces are organised and support us to do this efficiently and effectively.ÌýÌý
One of our digital wellbeing focuses for this year is looking at how we canÌýstreamline andÌýsimplify our digital workspace to maximise effectiveness and reduce that feeling of ‘digital over-whelm.ÌýÌý
Tidy files,ÌýtidyÌýmindsÌý
We can all take small steps to organise our digital workspace for ease,ÌýspeedÌýand collaboration.ÌýClear folder structures, file naming conventions, removingÌýduplicatesÌýand archiving old filesÌýcan help reduce frustration and barriers to working efficiently within a team.ÌýÌý
Not only that but decluttering our digital files can have a positive environmental impact too. Digital file storage requires servers, and serversÌýrequireÌýenergy.ÌýMindful file structure and storage supportÌýboth efficiency and sustainabilityÌýand can even help manage that feeling of email overwhelm if we apply the same principles to email folder structure.Ìý
Focus, boundaries, and time productivityÌý
A lot of the digital toolsÌýwe use have features we can utilise to helpÌýenhance productivityÌýand protect our time for those tasks that require particular focus.Ìý
Manage yourÌýnotificationsÌýusing the ‘do not disturb’ function inÌýTeams.ÌýUse an out of office response to set realistic expectations about response times. UseÌýtime productivity tools, calendar blocks, or email batchingÌýhoursÌýto plan your day.ÌýThese simple but effective features and strategies can helpÌýreduce cognitive overload andÌýprotect us from burnout. Digital tools should be a source ofÌýsupportÌýrather than a burden orÌýdistraction.
The balance between digital and sustainabilityÌýÌý
Digital tools have helped reduce travel emissionsÌýthrough the use ofÌývirtual meetings,ÌýreducedÌýpaper use by digitalising documentation and processes, andÌýhelpedÌýimproved access toÌýhealth services.ÌýHowever, digitalisation alsoÌýusesÌýenergyÌýthrough file storageÌýand physical devices.ÌýIt’sÌýtherefore important that we are mindful of thisÌýhidden footprintÌýand that we try to minimise waste whilst maximising the benefits of technology.ÌýFocusing on thoughtful storage and reducing duplication support both individual wellbeing and the environmental impact.