Why strategies for digital focus benefit people, business and the environment
Since I began working in this space back in 2015, there’s been a growing recognition of the importance of digital wellness in the workplace. The pressures of digital overload, the always-on culture and flexible working patterns have made the link between performance and wellbeing impossible to ignore.
Forward-thinking organisations understand that healthy digital habits lead to better employee performance, lower stress levels, and stronger working relationships. And with the rapid development of AI, these conversations are only becoming more relevant.
The environmental impact of our digital activity
One aspect that hasn’t received as much attention is how our digital behaviours affect the planet.
In 2023 The Guardian reported that by 2026 the digital industry is expected to be the fourth-largest electricity consumer in the world, trailing only China, India and the US. Michelle Thorne of the Green Web Foundation describes the digital sector as the "largest coal-powered machine on the planet", producing more emissions than aviation.
It’s hard to grasp the environmental cost of something so intangible. After all, digital interactions don’t end up in a recycling bin. But every email sent, every video streamed and every AI-powered search generates emissions. And with the UK recently announcing plans to build some of Europe’s largest data centres, this issue is only growing.
The hidden costs of data processing
All digital activity, from a quick Google search to an hour-long Zoom meeting, relies on massive datacentres filled with servers. These datacentres handle the constant flow of information, ensuring we get instant access to online content. But they also produce an enormous amount of heat waste, which requires power-intensive cooling systems and most of which are coal-powered. To put this in context:
A WhatsApp group chat generates 2.35kg of CO2 per week (Zero Waste Scotland).
The 5 billion YouTube views of Despacito consumed enough electricity to heat 40,000 homes annually (Mariana Mazzucato, UCL).
A simple email exchange can generate 17g of CO2 – equivalent to leaving a 60-watt lamp on for 20 minutes (Mike Berners-Lee).
And with AI-powered tools becoming more mainstream, the problem intensifies. Researcher Alex de Vries estimates that AI-enhanced searches use ten times the power of regular web searches.
Practical steps to reduce your digital footprint
Businesses can play a huge role in cutting unnecessary digital waste. Here are some simple but powerful changes to adopt in the workplace:
Use email mindfully – Before hitting ‘send,’ ask: does this email need to be sent? Does everyone in the CC really need it? Could a quick call or conversation work better as this can help reduce endless back-and-forth exchanges.
Clean up old emails – Regularly delete large files and unnecessary emails to lower your digital footprint.
Limit AI searches – AI-powered searches use far more energy than conventional ones. Where possible, opt for traditional web searches or ask a colleague instead.
Reduce unnecessary virtual meetings – A one-hour Zoom call can emit 1,000g of CO2. Switching to audio-only can cut this by 96%. (Mozilla, 2023)
Use video conferencing wisely – While virtual meetings help reduce business travel emissions, balance them with in-person conversations where appropriate.
Encourage screen-free breaks – Scientifically proven to boost performance and creativity, regular breaks also cut down unnecessary scrolling and digital energy consumption.
Unsubscribe and declutter – Remove unwanted newsletters and unused apps to free up space and avoid excess data transfers.
Extend device lifespan – The manufacturing of a smartphone accounts for 80% of its lifetime carbon footprint (UN Environment Programme). By clearing digital clutter, you can avoid unnecessary upgrades and make your devices last longer.
A more sustainable, balanced digital culture
As my good friend Sustainability Consultant Ruth Dobson wisely puts it:
"The good news is that being mindful about our digital behaviour reduces our carbon footprint and can have a direct, positive impact on the health of our planet. Even better, why not use time when you might have been online to go outside, enjoy the beautiful world you are helping protect, boosting your mental health and creativity at the same time."
By making small, intentional changes in digital habits, organisations can create a healthier, more sustainable workplace that values both people and the planet. Less digital distraction, more genuine conversations and proper screen-free breaks will lead to happier, more engaged employees who use technology with purpose and intent.