about us
we're techtimeout
We enable healthier relationships with technology.
You might think that we're anti-tech, but actually, we love tech!
Technology opens up opportunities and keeps us connected. But can you have too much of a good thing?
There's no denying that technology can distract from other aspects of our lives - like real conversations and our ability to switch off and enjoy some downtime.
There's a vast amount of scientific and anecdotal evidence linking the overuse of technology to feelings of anxiety, stress, burnout and depression.
We believe there's a better way. A way that supports digital wellbeing, mental health and productivity.
Our work provides businesses with actionable ways to support employees to manage a world of endless notifications, multiple communication channels and blurred work/life boundaries.
the people
We’re a great bunch of people committed to enabling positive change. Check out our team and our brand ambassadors.
Tech has been and always will be a key part of our lives.
As one of the directors at Six Ticks – a UK based software and website development company – Steff has spent the majority of her working life connected to a phone or laptop.
But, after years of working long days at a computer, moving from computer to the TV, and watching Netflix whilst mindlessly checking her phone, she realised it was time for a conscious uncoupling with tech.
This is when Steff started to look closely at the nation’s relationship with technology. She herself started to trial ways to become more tech conscious and then rolled out practices within her own business and received refreshing results and feedback.
After lots of research and a partnership with our lovely psychologist Lisa, the true impact of our technology usage has become clearer. We’ve found that most people aren’t happy with the amount of time they spend connected to technology but they don’t have the tools or know-how to change it.
We've since developed two initiatives techtimeout tuesday and the techtimeout10 challenge. Hundreds of businesses and thousands of individuals have been involved with these challenges. These services have made a positive difference to workplaces across the UK and in the USA.
The techtimeout10 challenges enables businesses to become 'techtimeout aware' - the first step in supporting employees with their technology-use.
For businesses who are truly leading the way, we've developed a workplace certification to recognise businesses who have practices in place to support employees with their mental health and productivity.
We have a big vision - we want to change the way individuals, families and businesses use technology and we feel our work is more important than ever.
Generally, employees spend over a third of their day at work. Most of this time is spent online and looking at screens. As workplaces, it’s important to support your employees and give them the tools to notice the negative effects of too much screen time.
We believe that enabling employees to create healthy habits and set boundaries with their screens is the missing piece in a health and wellbeing strategy. We want to highlight the businesses recognising and leading the way in this area.
After-all, a happy and healthy workforce contributes to a successful and sustainable business.
Together, we can change the way that we all use technology for the better.
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TESTIMONIALS
what are people saying
We truly believe in the benefits of techtimeout, but don’t just take our word for it.
"We’re in the PR & communications business. In today’s digital world that means we inevitably spend a lot of time on tech. The health and well-being of our team is paramount. They know they can take a break, go for a walk, take time out any time of the day but we know all companies aren’t like us. That’s why techtimeout is such a fantastic initiative – by encouraging leaders to engage with staff on the issue of mental health and wellness it has put the issue on the national business agenda."
Amy Bould
Be Bold Media
"It's very easy for the act of making time away from the screen to slip down the priority list, so the techtimeout campaign came at a great time in a year where the divide between work and home life has got increasingly blurry. It was great to intentionally get out for a walk at lunchtime and leave my phone at home, and I noticed how much more recharged I felt for the rest of the day. This is definitely something that I would like to keep up!"
Helen Rawnsey
Birmingham St Marys Hospice
"Working from home can be all tech consuming, with having no colleagues to chat to in the break out area I feel I have been taking my phone to my kitchen to tweet, or send a quick message.
techtimeout enabled me to be more disciplined and encouraged me to step away from everything tech-related. I felt more refreshed for having a break. A really good self-care tool I will be applying to my working day! "
Kerry Mitchell
Wellbeing Manager, Paycare
"In a world where a phone, tablet, computer, games consoles and all the other screens we see daily are prolific, it’s important to step back and appreciate that they're only machines. The initiative by techtimeout was an important idea to me to ensure I help my daughter grow up with a healthy relationship with technology, not just being glued to the thing like I find myself far too often."
Chris Howey
Tantec
"The majority of our employees are being forced to work remotely due to the Coronavirus Pandemic and are more reliant than ever on using technology to stay in touch. Their wellbeing is of great concern to us. We encouraged our staff to take 10 minutes away from their laptops, to go for a lunchtime walk, or a walk before or after work as part of techtimeout tuesday."
Cllr. Graham Breeze
Powys County Council
"The techtimeout10 challenge made a huge difference to the team. We all made the effort to turn off and go outside or do something we loved, and we shared what we were doing with each other - everyone had smiles on their faces and it was great for me as a manager to know that my staff were taking some time out for themselves and stepping away from their screens"
Rhea Alton
Managing Director, J&PR
