Focus

A survey conducted by the streaming service, Tubi, made headlines recently due to its finding that 84 percent of Gen Z workers admit to streaming shows and movies while they work. In fact, nearly half (48 percent) of respondents said that they have lied to their bosses about it and more than half (53% percent) said that they have put off work to finish shows that they’re “binge-watching.”

Many news outlets chalked this behavior up to Gen Z workers’ prioritization of “work-life balance.” This take is, of course, consistent with the modern perspective that we should never cut out anything from our life. In fact, we are told that we must “have it all,” if we really want to be happy. However, just a little life experience instructs that this idea is just not consistent with reality. Anything worthwhile requires sacrifice, whether that be time, money, sweat, or blood.

Yet, even if you buy the idea of balancing, I find this take on workplace distraction to be ironic, since this behavior is exactly the opposite of “balance.” A healthy relationship in our work and home life is achieved when we maintain the proper role and separation between both. Blurring the two parts of our life can make it nearly impossible to regulate that balance – either one will overtake the other or both will suffer from neglect.

Sadly, I believe this behavior has implications far beyond the workplace. For example, academic research has long proven that modern romantic relationships are suffering from "Phubbing,” or "partner phone snubbing.” Studies show that the use or distraction of cellphones in the company of relationship partners is causing widespread dissatisfaction and often result in depression. However, it shouldn’t take a scientist to prove this point – it is just common sense.

Modern technology can be an incredible asset to our work capabilities. However, there is a tradeoff. For example, research shows that even the very presence of a cell phone at work can be detrimental. A study by Florida State University researchers, that has been discussed by the Harvard Business Review, found that workers can be distracted by only having their phone nearby and that it can “negatively affect [their] work performance.” In fact, a simple notification or ring from a phone has a comparable effect to actually interacting with a phone. Meaning, even if you don’t respond to a text message, a buzz on your phone can be just as distracting.

Imagine, then, the impact of binge-watching your favorite show while at work.

My point is not to maline technology. In my field, it is essential. However, I do think it is important to keep the purpose of the tool in mind. I must monitor its use as much as anyone.

In previous articles, I have written about the shrinking attention span of Americans. Many experts largely contribute this change to the rising use of digital technology. In the long-term shorter attention spans make us less capable to dig in and solve problems and to truly focus when necessary. The “sharing” of key times and tasks with technology only exacerbates this problem.

Sadly, our human nature wants to find peace and prosperity through balance and blending when God’s Word tells us that we can only find them through boundaries. Jesus told the Church in Revelations, “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Furthermore, in Matthew it says, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” This principle is found in multiple contexts and chapters throughout Scripture. This means, whether we are talking about money, salvation, or our family, balance is not the aim, we should strive to maintain boundaries based on biblical priorities.

I must admit, this lesson is one that I ponder almost daily now – one that I must embrace as much as anyone. As a husband, father, man, leader, and servant, I have concluded that if I want to bear fruit in the roles that God has given me, I must make decisions based on a simple truth: Fruitfulness cannot be achieved without faithfulness. And you cannot be faithful without focus.

While we can often find ourselves believing that certain areas of our lives lack the productivity that we would like, I believe there is good news. All we must do, to take a first step toward growth, is simply this: pay attention.