FOBO (FEAR OF BEING OFFLINE) IS REAL

We definitely don’t need another work place anxiety but nonetheless, FOBO (Fear of Being Offline) is real and definitely can cause serious stress.

With smartphones acting as the umbilical cord to a constant flow of emails, messages, and notifications, the idea of disconnecting—even for a short period—can induce a state of real anxiety. While this continuous connectivity allows us greater flexibility in how, when, and where we work, it has also led to a new type of workplace anxiety: enter FOBO.

FOBO causes that nagging sensation that you need to be plugged in at all times, or you'll miss out on work-related information. It's the urge to compulsively check your email and other forms of work communication (looking at you, Slack), even during your off hours or when other times when you're supposed to be disconnected. The anxiety stems from the feeling that an unanswered message or notification means you've dropped the ball and are letting people down. 

This non-stop connectivity also makes it harder for us to be present as we juggle various work responsibilities across multiple platforms. Without the discipline to disconnect, we are encountering many professionals who are suffering from digital burnout. It’s therefore crucial for our mental health and productivity to break free from the digital leash. Here are some strategies to combat FOBO and bring balance back to your life.

WAYS TO COMBAT FOBO:

For Employees:

Establish Clear Boundaries

Set specific work hours during which you're available and communicate these times to your colleagues and clients. Outside of these hours, make it a practice to turn off work-related notifications. This helps to manage expectations and reduces the pressure to be perpetually on call. At Monday, we have a no Slack or email past 6 pm policy and always remind our team that “schedule send” should be their best friend.

Embrace 'Selective Disconnection'

Identify the times of day when you can afford to be offline—perhaps during deep work sessions or meetings. Use apps that limit connectivity or block distracting sites during these periods to ensure that you can focus without the fear of missing out.

Use Scheduled Check-Ins

Instead of constantly checking your inbox or chat messages, schedule specific times to do so. This could be once every hour or at set intervals that work for you. Knowing there's a plan in place to stay informed can ease the anxiety of being offline.

Leverage Auto-Responsers

Use auto-responders to manage the expectations of those trying to reach you. A simple message stating when you will be checking messages next can reassure both you and the sender that the message will be attended to in due time.

Cultivate an 'Offline Hobby'

Having an engaging activity that doesn't involve a screen can be a powerful motivator to unplug. Whether it's reading, painting, or outdoor activities, an offline hobby can help reduce the fear associated with not being constantly connected.

Prioritize Real Connections

Invest in face-to-face interactions with your colleagues. This can build stronger relationships and reduce the need for constant digital communication.

For Companies / LEADERSHIP:

Normalize Digital Breaks

Promote a culture where taking digital breaks is normalized and encouraged. Share the benefits of these breaks with your team to ensure everyone understands that being offline for a period is not only accepted but is actually beneficial.

Educate on FOBO's Impact

Share articles and resources that highlight the negative impacts of FOBO on mental health and productivity. Education is key to changing behavior.

Implement 'No-Tech' Meetings

Encourage 'no-tech' meetings where participants are asked to leave devices at their desks. This can improve engagement and ensure that everyone is present and not distracted by digital devices.

Lead by Example

Leadership should model the behavior they wish to see. By demonstrating a balanced approach to online and offline time, leaders can set a precedent for the rest of the team.

By implementing these strategies, we can start to combat the pervasive fear of being offline in the workplace. It's about creating an environment that values concentration and the wellbeing of its employees as much as it does connectivity. Redefining our relationship with the digital world is not a rejection of technology, but rather an assertion of our autonomy over it and a commitment to working smarter, not just harder.