Modern approaches to deep work and energy management are gaining popularity amongst employees and companies. Practices such as digital detox, 90-minute blocks and shutdown rituals are being incorporated into the policies of Google, Microsoft and Atlassian. Research in recent years confirms that such habits boost productivity and reduce stress levels.
Briefly about the main points
- 90-minute blocks of deep work boost productivity and reduce stress.
- Google, Microsoft and Atlassian have introduced focus time policies for their staff.
- Shutdown rituals and energy audits reduce burnout by 18–22% in corporate programmes.
- The Eisenhower Matrix and the «eat the frog» rule are recommended by the APA.
- The effectiveness of these practices depends on the individual and their profession; there is a lack of long-term research.
The essence of deep work and a digital detox
Deep work is the practice of fully immersing oneself in complex tasks without distractions. One of the key tools is dividing the day into 90-minute blocks, which aligns with the brain’s natural ultradian rhythms. During these sessions, it is recommended that you switch off all notifications, remove your phone from your workspace and leave only what is necessary for the task at hand on your desk.
The practice of a digital detox, which involves completely disconnecting from gadgets whilst at work, became particularly popular between 2024 and 2026. It is being actively incorporated into the policies of leading companies, including Google., Microsoft and Atlassian, which officially recommend that staff set aside ‘focus time’ to work without external distractions.
Energy management and rituals to end the day
Work efficiency depends not only on time management, but also on the ability to manage one’s own energy levels. An ‘energy peak audit’ helps to identify when a person is at their most productive, and to schedule complex tasks for precisely those periods.
A ‘shutdown ritual’ is a practice whereby an employee writes down their plan for the following day and closes all their work tabs. According to internal reports from Salesforce and SAP, the introduction of such rituals into corporate mental health programmes has reduced burnout levels among staff by 18–22%.
Deliberate breaks are another important element: rather than scrolling through the news or social media, it is recommended to go for a short walk or do some breathing exercises to recharge.
Priorities and tools for organising work
The following are used to organise tasks effectively the Eisenhower Matrix, which allows you to categorise tasks by urgency and importance. This helps you to focus on long-term goals and avoid unnecessary stress.
The «eat the frog» rule is another popular technique, which involves tackling the most difficult or unpleasant task first thing in the morning. In its 2025 recommendations, the American Psychological Association notes that these methods remain relevant for improving personal effectiveness.
Optimising the working environment and gradually establishing habits
Turning off push notifications, creating templates for common tasks and keeping your workspace free of clutter are simple yet effective ways to stay focused.
Experts advise against trying to implement all these practices at once. It is best to choose one habit – for example, a 90-minute block – and gradually add the others once you have adapted to it.
Limitations and specific considerations regarding implementation
Despite the growing popularity of deep work practices, researchers and HR experts recognise that their effectiveness depends on personality type and professional field. Not all methods are equally suitable for different people.
To date, there is a lack of large-scale independent research into the long-term impact of a digital detox on cognitive function. This means that when adopting such habits, it is advisable to tailor them to your own needs and regularly assess their effectiveness.
