Digital addiction and companies

The company climate and interpersonal relationships can also be affected by the frequent use of smartphones: in this case there is also the possibility of reducing the quality of communication between colleagues, making teamwork more difficult and creating tensions.

Data security aspects such as cybersecurity and privacy should also not be underestimated. The use of personal smartphones can expose companies to cybersecurity risks. Employees may voluntarily or involuntarily share sensitive information or access unsecured networks, increasing the risk of cyber-attacks.

So what can companies do? They could adopt some solutions such as, for example, defining internal regulations for smartphone use during work, specifying times and places where it is allowed or prohibited. These policies could include smartphone use only during breaks or for emergencies. Some companies choose to use monitoring tools to restrict access to certain applications or sites during working hours, or even block smartphone use in specific work areas.

The most training-oriented realities could also make employees aware of the risks and consequences of smartphone misuse, both in terms of productivity and safety. One viable idea is to train staff on the dangers of technology addiction, thus helping to create a culture of respect for rules in the digital sphere and the importance of real relationships.

Dedicated spaces and moments for personal smartphone use can also be created, such as structured breaks or relaxation areas that balance the need for access and leisure moments for workers with the demands of the company.

Undoubtedly, the challenge facing companies in this field is to strike a balance between allowing employees some flexibility and maintaining a productive and safe working environment.

Also effective are moments of detox, incorporating group work activities or training moments. In this way, two objectives are achieved: conveying professional content while ensuring a deeper and more attentive relationship with others, thanks to the 'detachment' from digital.

What is certain is that the introduction of the always-connected smartphone and all that it entails - given that it is a single tool that has numerous functionalities within it, a whole 'world' - seems to have gotten out of hand. All too often we find ourselves overwhelmed by new inputs that we sometimes cannot manage, let alone contain. This must be food for thought for companies, families and the whole community.

Sabrina Priulla, Project Manager Piramis onlus