In a recent article, I explored whether banning smartphones at work was a good thing or not. Studies suggest that a complete ban is unlikely to be beneficial, and that moderation is a more effective approach, as this shows employees that they’re trusted to manage their time and workload.

This need for moderation is further reinforced by a recent study from Ruhr University Bochum, which suggests that managers should apply moderation when it comes to determining whether employees can use their devices at work or not. The researchers find that complete bans generally do more harm than good.

Managing access

After analyzing around 300 participants from a wide range of professional sectors, the researchers found that reducing private smartphone use by around an hour per day had a positive impact on things like mental health, motivation at work, and work-life balance. What’s more, employees reported lower stress levels and greater satisfaction at work. Perhaps unsurprisingly, they also reported fewer symptoms of things like overload and smartphone addiction.

The benefits of reducing screen time were greatest when they were paired with healthy behaviors, such as increasing physical activity. This combination saw the greatest improvements in work engagement and mental well-being.

These findings suggest that instead of enforcing bans, employers might benefit from encouraging conscious reduction of non-work-related phone use, perhaps alongside promoting physical activity, as this can bolster employee motivation and productivity.

While banning smartphones outright might seem like an effective strategy to minimize distractions, evidence indicates that allowing moderate and responsible use could lead to healthier, more engaged employees. After all, a balanced approach to technology is likely to foster trust and reduce unnecessary stress, contributing to a more positive workplace atmosphere.