Digital fatigue – a modern companion we don't have to be powerless against

Research and current surveys identify the main causes as: 

• High levels of virtual interaction and constant notifications
• Continuous multitasking and excessive video calls without breaks
• Media overload combined with a lack of physical activity
• Blue light exposure late into the evening 

The consequences range from physical symptoms such as eye strain and sleep problems, to cognitive impairments such as reduced attention span, and emotional effects, such as loss of motivation and increased anxiety.

In hybrid working models, technology is no longer an optional tool but an essential one. This makes it all the more important to consciously decide when and how we use digital tools. 

The goal is not to avoid technology, but to use it in ways that support us – rather than deplete us.

This is where the concept of the Work Café comes into play – not merely as an architectural idea, but as an ethos. 
 

A Work Café is more than an attractive break area: 

• It provides a place for informal encounters, breaking down digital barriers
• It offers space for analogue moments – conversations, ideas, spontaneous meetings without screens
• It supports an alternation between focus and recovery phases, helping to prevent digital overload 

With the right furniture, this concept becomes tangible: 

• The se:café bar invites short, refreshing breaks – ideal for creating distance between two video calls
• The se:café team table provides an inviting setting for team discussions, brainstorming sessions, or simply a relaxed chat over coffee
• The se:café wooden chair combines comfort with natural warmth, fostering a sense of calm and slowing the pace 

These pieces are not merely functional; they are ambassadors for a workplace culture that promotes connection, relaxation, and inspiration.

1. Take regular breaks: 5–10 minutes away from screens every hour
2. Rethink meetings: not every exchange requires a video call
3. Reduce blue light exposure: use filters in the evening or put devices aside earlier
4. Change your workspace: move from the desk to the Work Café – or step outside
5. Use analogue tools: notebooks, whiteboards, or hand-drawn sketches for creative phases

Digital fatigue is not a passing phenomenon, but an ongoing challenge of the modern working world. The more deliberately we create spaces – both physical and mental – for genuine recovery, the better we can enjoy the benefits of  digitalisation. 

A Work Café equipped with the se:cafe bar, se:café team table, and se:cafe wooden chair can become a place that not only keeps the coffee warm but also keeps the mind clear – giving teams back their energy rather than draining it.