Do you ever feel like you’re constantly switching screens? You’re not the only one. Today’s average professional uses between 2 to 4 devices at any given time at work – laptops, phones, tablets, or even smartwatches.
In this post, we’re going to discuss the reasons for increased usage, what that means for your productivity, and what your device usage says about your workflow.
Are you ready to see how your habits compare?
The Average Number of Devices Used by Professionals
Many working professionals use 3 to 5 devices during any given workday (laptops or desktops, smartphones, tablets, extra monitors, and maybe smartwatches or virtual assistants). Remote and hybrid workers often have an even larger pool of devices for their communication and productivity.
Just because you have more devices does not mean you need to output more, or that you are working with your devices as best you can! Where you self-compare to these averages, may provide a better awareness of whether you are overly reliant on technology or being very intentional with the technology you use.
If you want to take a look at where you are currently at, you can use this figure to assess your devices.
Why Device Count Matters for Productivity and Focus
More devices can lead to divided attention, increased just-in-time context switching, and add further to your cognitive load. Each time your attention is interrupted, either by a notification or moving to another screen, you are paying emotional, mental, or time costs, which come at both a time and accuracy cost to completing your work tasks.
Therefore, fewer devices that are better integrated may lead to less decision fatigue and a deeper level of focus. Additionally, fewer systems means less management of software updates, less time managing sync issues, and fewer devices that could potentially go wrong.
In conclusion, reducing the number of devices, intentionally, will not only help productivity, but also overall digital well-being.
Tips to Reduce Digital Clutter and Device Fatigue
You don’t need to “Marie Kondo” your digital clutter and technology devices to reduce your device fatigue. You just need to make smarter decisions.
Consolidate Tasks
Try to group and complete email, meetings and documents, on one device, to reduce screen jumps.
Use Cloud-Based Tools
Where you can, opt for cloud-based apps and tools, where there are no duplicates across devices, where possible.
Limit Notifications
Switch off any notifications that do not require your immediate attention; particularly on your secondary devices.
Designate Device Roles
Assign each of your devices a different purpose, e.g. laptop for work, phone for phone calls, so you don’t accidentally duplicate.
Checklist: How to Audit and Optimize Your Daily Devices
Not sure where to start? Use this quick audit checklist to evaluate your digital setup:
- Do I use each device daily for a unique task?
- Are any two devices duplicating the same function?
- Are all devices updated and secure?
- Am I switching between devices more than 10 times/hour?
- Can I replace two devices with one multitasking tool?
- Are my notifications streamlined across all devices?
This checklist helps you quickly identify inefficiencies and take immediate action to simplify.
Need Help Streamlining Your Setup?
If you are feeling overwhelmed with your technology devices, don’t panic or feel alone! Whether you’re a solo professional, remote contractor, or a contributing member of a team, rationalizing your devices has the potential to enable greater focus and performance and positive returns on your effort.
If you’re ready to make an effort to change your setup but aren’t sure of your first move, the professional help of an IT support specialist, or a digital workflow coach could be worth your while.
He/she/they could audit your tech stack, suggest better integrations or offer ways to minimize your device fatigue, which will, in turn, help your productivity – and sanity!