how it works
how does techtimeout work?
The good news is that you can redefine your relationship with tech and the way it makes you feel. You can become more conscious of your usage individually or as a workplace. It’s not quite as easy as saying “I’m going to use my phone less” – we’ve all tried that one and soon slip back into our old ways. Instead, it’s about having the tools and awareness to create new habits and set boundaries, to discover and retain a tech/life balance that works for you.
build a new relationship with tech
In any public place, look around and the majority of people are looking down at their phones. Some may be checking directions or speaking to a friend, but, it's also likely that many are simply mindlessly scrolling.
We want to help you discover whether tech is supporting or undermining your wellbeing and productivity. We can then work with you and provide knowledge and tools to enable you to build a new, healthier relationship with tech.
If you're an individual, you can access some of our resources here or visit our shop.
If you're a business, our workplace programmes have been developed to provide actionable ways to promote positive change in your business - so where do we start?
how does techtimeout work?
discover and challenge
As with any dependency the first step is awareness; an awareness of the impact of forever being connected to technology as a nation and also an awareness of how it could be impacting you personally. Did you know that your ability to focus is reduced when your phone in sight? That’s even if you’re not actively checking it. It’s a proven barrier to productivity for individuals and businesses alike.
Unlike many other dependencies people are not normally backwards in coming forwards in talking about it. The majority of people happily admit that they spend too much time scrolling and would like to get their life back. In our workshops and resources, we raise awareness about the impact of this overdependence, to inspire you to do something about it at home and in the workplace.
the second step is knowledge
Once you have awareness of how tech is potentially impacting your home or workplace, it's now time to learn about the steps you can take to be in control of your tech, and not the other way around.
We can help you understand the common triggers and take you through a plan for taking action. Every individual and workplace has a different relationship with technology and what works for one person may not work for another. We give you the tools and resources and we can work with you to decide how it can work for you.
... and finally, take action
By introducing new practices and boundaries you can experience the benefits straight away. It takes time to create new habits so it's not always easy but with our tips and tools you can be much more conscious of your usage and recognise when you revert to old ways.
For employers, it’s important for leaders and managers to lead the way. By setting an example and creating the right policies and embracing the movement, your employees will feel empowered to take action.
You can create a tech/life balance that nurtures relationships and helps you thrive personally and professionally.
TESTIMONIALS
what are people saying
We truly believe in the benefits of techtimeout, but don’t just take our word for it.
"The concept of being addicted to technology isn't something I'd particularly thought about previously. We all use tech in the office and we have innovated utilising technology across the business which has pushed us ahead of the curve for years. However techtimeout has given us a new appreciation of some of the negative impacts of technologies and how we can adapt our practices to be more mindful of these adverse effects."
Andy Lawrence
Managing Director, National Hometyre Group
"This is an incredibly important and needed service. Businesses need to prepare now for the adverse impact of the digital overload their employees have been and will continue to experience.
The guidance that techtimeout provides makes it easy for businesses to put the right support in place for employees."
Lisa Williams BSc (hons) and DClinPsy
Lead Clinical Psychologist, The Autism Service
"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
