Digital Humans: Why We’re More Tech Savvy Outside of Work
*Updated 18 February 2025*
Digital technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives. The amount of time we spend staring at screens is staggering. We can easily spend 3-6 hours playing games like Candy Crush, yet struggle to apply deep thinking in a workplace setting. Why is it that we pick up smartphones instinctively but require extensive training to use business systems?
The Psychology of Digital Engagement
If you own a smartphone, you likely open and close multiple apps daily, often just to clear notifications. On average, people in the UK spend over 24 hours per week on their phones. This isn’t accidental—every aspect of our digital experience is engineered to keep us engaged.
From app colour schemes to interactive notifications, these design choices stimulate our brains and keep us hooked. Simple hacks, like turning your screen to grayscale, can reduce screen time. But what if businesses leveraged these engagement tactics for workplace tools instead of letting them be distractions?
What Makes Apps So Addictive?
Apps encourage prolonged use through smart design. Social media taps into our fear of missing out (FOMO) with features like Instagram stories. Games use psychological reinforcement (e.g., Candy Crush’s reward systems) to keep us playing.
Some argue that digital products should be made more ethical to reduce manipulation, but these tactics can also be used positively. When applied in workplace systems, they can enhance productivity, collaboration, and learning.
How Businesses Can Learn from Digital Products
When using apps, we have clear goals, autonomy, and a seamless user experience. In contrast, traditional workplace systems often feel outdated and frustrating. Businesses that embrace the best aspects of digital engagement—while avoiding the downsides—will create happier, more productive employees.
Personalisation and AI in the Workplace
We love our personal devices because they cater to our preferences. AI-driven recommendations on Netflix, Spotify, and social media show us content we enjoy, making the experience feel intuitive and personalised. Why aren’t business tools designed this way?
AI can play a significant role in workplace training by delivering the right information at the right time, based on job roles and individual needs. More personalised business systems could lead to higher engagement and job satisfaction, just like our favourite apps do.
Rethinking Rigid Processes
Another reason we effortlessly use digital apps is the freedom to dictate our own processes. We choose which apps to check first based on engagement, rather than being forced into a specific workflow.
At work, employees are often constrained by rigid processes designed to minimise errors. While consistency is important, automation and AI can help. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can take over repetitive tasks, reducing human error and eliminating the need for tedious training. This allows employees to focus on more complex, fulfilling work.
The Future of Work - Engaging, Modern, and Automated
Despite living in an increasingly digital world, many workplaces feel stuck in the past—relying on outdated, inefficient systems and manual processes. It’s time for businesses to modernise.
The good news? You don’t need to develop custom software to improve efficiency. Many Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are already designed with engagement and usability in mind. Just like the apps we love, they are intuitive, visually appealing, and optimised for productivity.
Where Will You Start?
To create a more efficient, engaged, and tech-savvy workforce, businesses must embrace digital transformation. Whether it’s through AI-driven training, automation, or user-friendly SaaS solutions, the future of work should mirror the best aspects of our digital lives—engaging, intuitive, and designed for success.
