People leaders: Encourage employees to unplug this Friday

The negative impacts of too much screen time are well documented, however, desk workers still have a hard time tearing themselves away. But with Global Day of Unplugging (GDU) upon us, there is no better time to try. 

Now in its 16th year, the GDU, run by non-profit Unplug Collaborative, starts at sundown on Friday, March 7. The 24-hour campaign has been embraced by employers as a way to encourage employees to spend less time on screens and more time with people not just over the weekend, but on a regular basis during the workday as well. 

By advocating for increased downtime from tech, it's not just employee well-being that employers are supporting; businesses get a lot out of helping their workforce prioritize people over digital distractions, from increased innovation to better recruitment and retention. 

"Top talent increasingly evaluates potential employers based on well-being practices," says Becky Tahel, head of brand and marketing for GDU. "Executive commitment to digital balance signals a progressive workplace culture that values human sustainability."

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A major proponent of the GDU is UScellular, which partnered with Unplug Collaborative to encourage everyone to be more mindful of their screen time, and recently donated $150,000 to support tech-free time for youth in Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The wireless carrier also set up a website that includes tips for developing healthier digital habits, and a way for participants to share their experience after taking part in device-free events. 

Another Unplug Collaborative employer partner is the dating app Hinge, which celebrated the GDU in 2024 by publishing a phone-shaped book filled with over 100 ideas for disconnecting. Hinge also donated to the Unplug Collab Seed Fund, which provides funding to select applicants looking to create tech-free activities and programs in their communities. 

While not all companies are able to take part in an unplugging campaign at this level, even small efforts can bring about positive, consistent changes for employees, says Tahel. 

Start with top leadership

The best way to ensure employees actually unplug is for leadership to put the screens down themselves. 

"Executives must personally model digital boundaries by stopping after-hours emails, taking visible device-free breaks and openly discussing their own unplugging strategies," says Tahel. "When the CEO mentions turning off notifications during family dinner or weekend hikes, it creates permission throughout the organization. Institute 'leadership unplugged hours' where executives are visibly offline during certain periods each week."

While at work, Tahel suggests management engage their teams in device-free activities such as quarterly "unplugged lunches" and "no-tech walks," creating opportunities for open-ended questions and conversations about work that may not happen otherwise.

Additionally, offering clear company guidelines around expected response times during and after work hours can reduce the pressure employees feel to check and engage with work-related messages, says Tahel. For example, companies can have policies that state they expect a 24-hour turnaround for emails and a few hours for team chat messages during the work day. She adds that employers can also consider having notifications suspended on company devices during off-hours, except for emergencies. 

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Build a digitally-balanced workspace

Employers can create spaces within the workplace that allow employees to get back to creative basics and recharge. 

"Create physical spaces designated as device-free zones where employees can engage in deep thinking, creative collaboration or relaxation," says Tahel. "Equip these areas with analog tools like whiteboards, comfortable seating and natural elements." 

To reduce distractions in meetings and collaborative sessions, Tahel recommends providing a box where employees can willingly place their phones. At their desks, she suggests providing flip clocks as a way to signal to others that they are in a focused, unplugged stage until the time shown. 

Tahel reminds everyone that they can have fun with unplugging efforts, such as decorating the box for phones. Employers can start a "nostalgic communication campaign," making announcements in the form of a printed newspaper, vintage-style advertisements or typewritten notes.    

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When it comes to the workplace, a combination of thoughtful communication and engaging activities will yield the best results. 

"A good way to encourage this behavior is to make it a celebrated part of your organizational identity rather than another corporate mandate," says Tahel. "When digital well-being becomes woven into your company's cultural fabric through consistent modeling, structural support and authentic storytelling about its benefits, employees naturally adopt these practices. The most successful implementations create genuine enthusiasm by focusing on what people gain rather than what they give up when they unplug."