Today’s workplaces are digital-first. Whether in the office or working remotely, employees spend most of their day on screens – emails, chats, video calls, and online platforms. While these tools keep teams connected, they also bring a growing challenge: digital fatigue.
What is digital fatigue?
Digital fatigue is the mental and physical strain from prolonged screen use. It can cause eye strain, headaches, neck and back pain, and mental exhaustion. With people moving from work screens to personal screens, downtime is limited, making recovery harder and amplifying health risks.
The impact on work and wellbeing
Research shows over half of UK office workers suffer from digital eye strain, and up to 80% report musculoskeletal pain linked to poor posture. Eye strain alone costs nearly 40 minutes of productivity per worker each day, while back and neck issues contribute to rising sickness absence and welfare costs.
Your mental health suffers as well. Constant notifications, video calls, and multitasking lead to cognitive overload, stress, and anxiety. The “always-on” culture can push employees, particularly older workers toward disengagement or burnout, creating risks for talent retention as well as wellbeing.
What can be done?
- Encouraging screen-free blocks and micro-breaks
- Promoting ergonomic workstations at home and in the office
- Focusing on results over constant online presence
- Offering proactive health support, such as eye screening, digital physiotherapy, and mental health resources
These measures don’t just treat symptoms, they prevent issues, boost productivity, and reduce absenteeism. Supporting employees in managing digital fatigue is now essential for both wellbeing and workplace success.
