Digital Wellbeing at Work: Tips and Best Practices to Limit Notifications and Interruptions

In our digital age, well-being at work is no longer just a buzzword, but a real necessity. Indeed, in the face of the omnipresence of technology, knowing how to manage notifications and interruptions becomes crucial to maintain productivity and serenity. That’s why Microsoft 365 offers a range of tools that, when set up right, can significantly contribute to your digital balance. In this article, we’ll walk you through actionable strategies to get the most out of these features.

Why is digital wellbeing important?

Imagine for a moment a project manager juggling multiple tasks without losing track. By customizing his notifications to receive only the most crucial ones, he manages to maintain his focus and serenity, even in the daily whirlwind. It is precisely this type of balance that we are aiming for.

1. Assess your notification needs

First and foremost, start with a self-assessment of your work habits. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Which notifications are essential to my productivity?
• Which ones distract me unnecessarily?

Then, rank your apps according to their relevance and adjust their notifications accordingly. For example, Lisa, a software developer, chose to turn off all notifications during her coding hours except, those from her bug tracking system. Thus, it avoids any superfluous distractions.

2. Understand the different types of notifications

It is essential to distinguish between urgent alerts and those that can wait. Also, keep in mind that visual alerts are generally less disruptive than sounds. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you choose the type of alert based on the urgency and importance of the message. Let’s take the example of Marc, who has set up his alerts so that important messages are displayed on his secondary screen. This way, he can see them without interrupting his main work flow.

3. Customize your notifications in Microsoft 365

Microsoft Teams

First, adjust your notification settings for direct mentions, group messages, and meetings. Then, feel free to use the “Do Not Disturb” mode to eliminate interruptions during periods of intense work, while allowing exceptions for priority contacts. For example, Sarah, a human resources manager, systematically activates the “Do Not Disturb” mode during her recruitment sessions to fully focus on the candidates.

Helpful Resources:

• Manage notifications in Microsoft Teams – Microsoft Support
• Best practices for notifications in Microsoft Teams – Microsoft Support

Windows

To get started, go to Windows notification settings to turn off notifications or manage them on an app-by-app basis. Then, use the Focus Time feature to schedule periods when notifications are automatically paused. Take the example of David, a graphic designer, who uses Windows “Focus Assist” when working on creative concepts. This effectively avoid distractions from social media and emails.

Helpful resources: Change notification and quick settings in Windows – Microsoft Support

Outlook

First, adjust your email alerts:

• Set up alerts to see only important messages
• Use filters to sort essential alerts
• Reduce interruptions by disabling on-screen alerts for less urgent messages

Second, group your alerts:

• Set Outlook to notify you periodically rather than continuously

For example, Julien, an accountant, has set up his email alerts to only receive notifications for management messages and payment alerts.

Helpful resources: Turn new message alert pop-up on or off – Microsoft Support

4. Establish a notification management routine

It’s essential to set focus time slots where you won’t be bothered by non-essential notifications. Also, remember to review your preferences regularly to make sure they still match your current needs. Consider the example of Amélie, a product manager, who set up a routine of checking emails three times a day. This approach allows her to avoid frequent interruptions while staying informed.

5. Conseils avancés pour une gestion optimale

To take it a step further, leverage advanced features, like notification automation, to create rules that fit your schedule. Finally, explore features like Windows Focus Time to further customize your time management. Let’s take the example of Alex, a systems engineer, who uses automations on Teams. Enabling “Do Not Disturb” mode when working on critical servers, ensuring that his sessions remain uninterrupted.

Conclusion : Vers un meilleur équilibre numérique

Ultimately, adopting best practices to limit notifications and distractions is key to promoting digital well-being in the workplace. Customizing your notifications on Microsoft 365 to minimize distractions, maximize focus, and take control of your productivity. If you take the time to practice these tips, you’ll transform your work environment into a quieter, more controlled space. Microsoft 365 tools are true allies in this process. Incorporate these methods into your daily routine for strategic use of technology. This will not only improve your professional efficiency, but also the quality of your digital life at work. Remember, the key to digital wellbeing is to make notifications your allies, not your adversaries. It’s up to you to set them up to serve your interests without compromising your inner peace. In short, by applying these tips, you can create a more balanced and productive digital work environment that is conducive to your professional growth.

Develop your Microsoft 365 skills! We offer group and individual training on our training platform, with the aim of making you more efficient and confident in your day-to-day work. Explore our site for more practical tips. Here’s a selection of content that might interest you:

• Smart collaboration: schedule deferred sending on Teams and Outlook
• Overflowing mailbox, overloaded diary: how to cope?
• Viva Insights: tips for improving productivity & well-being at work