Would periods of ‘digital silence’ in the working week help make workers more productive? Two writers weigh up the pros and cons in this week’s debate

YES: Our always-on culture harms productivity

The UK’s productivity puzzle has long been a sticking point for government and business alike. While the solutions are complex, one straightforward measure employers can take is to give workers greater freedom to switch off.

I was reminded of this recently after a two-week (mostly) gadget-free holiday. I came back feeling sharper, more focused and ready to deliver. That sense of renewed productivity shouldn’t only be possible once or twice a year. Our research shows more than a third of UK workers (36 per cent) want formally scheduled “digital silence” in their workplace – dedicated time free from online meetings or the expectation to be contactable.

Of course, technology itself is not the problem. It has been a game-changer in how we connect, collaborate and build relationships with colleagues. But the reality is that constant........

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