What Solus Ceramics shows us about fixing digital culture
When organisations come to me, it’s rarely because something is “broken.” It’s because something is unsustainable in this constantly connected world that we all live and work in.
Solus Ceramics is a perfect example, a highly successful remote, fast‑moving, client‑driven business with teams who care deeply about doing a great job. Their people travel often, manage shared inboxes and keep the commercial engine running. They are conscientious, committed and proud of the service they deliver.
But that same commitment had quietly created digital habits that were beginning to take a toll.
I ran a Digital Harmony training programme for them May–June 2026. Before the programme began, 81% of colleagues felt expected to be “on” all the time. Almost 90% were sending non‑urgent emails out of hours. More than half weren’t taking screen‑free breaks. Many were attending meetings that they didn’t need to be in. And a growing number were turning to AI instead of colleagues because it felt quicker or less disruptive.
People described the pressure clearly:
“The need to sell creates pressure to always be on… Not everyone can switch off… If clients need something and I’ve been on the road, I feel pressure to reply.”
These weren’t signs of disengagement. They were signs of people who care and were burning themselves out in the process.
What we did together
Solus partnered with me to run a leadership and management programme centred around my HARMONY Framework. We combined workshops, reflective webinars, anonymous insights and practical aftercare, using the COM‑B behaviour change model to help them create the environment to create sustainable change. The insights gathered became the foundation for Solus’ new Digital Communication & Human‑Centred AI Guidelines, a shared blueprint I produced for them so that the can be an organisation with a truly healthy and sustainable digital culture.
What changed
The shift was fast and measurable.
Within six weeks:
85% felt more focused during working time
94% were more intentional in how they communicated
72% said team morale had improved
72% were taking screen‑free breaks and feeling better for it
83% were managing digital distractions in meetings
72% felt improvements in work‑life balance
56% were using AI more intentionally
83% felt more creative and innovative
And the personal changes were powerful:
People were putting their phones away while working through emails; turning off notifications; using Do Not Disturb; working offline for focus time; leaving work phones downstairs at night. When someone told me that had taken a holiday and left their work phone at home I knew I’d made a breakthrough as these are the kinds of shifts that transform not just individuals, but teams, relationships and performance.
What this means for other organisations
Solus is a brilliant example of what becomes possible when a business chooses to redesign its digital culture with intention. They didn’t need a new platform. They needed clarity, capability and permission to make good digital choices and a shared language for healthier habits.
The result is a more focused, energised, intentional workforce who are communicating better, having more effective meetings, managing their boundaries and rest and creating a culture that supports both wellbeing and commercial performance.
As the Creative Director told me “You’ve created a permission to step away… I’ve slowly been able to create boundaries to prevent digital burnout.”
That’s what this work is about. Not less ambition, but better conditions for people to thrive. If you want to find out more about the work I’m doing get in touch at laura@laura-willis.com