Digital Presence at Work - The Silent Trust Killer

Being present at home with our kids is essential to them feeling important and loved. Kids feel ignored when parents are glued to screens. But what about the workplace? Same! Adults feel ignored too - and it breaks trust.

The Science of Distraction

Researchers at the University of Texas discovered that simply having your phone visible - even if it is silent, face down, and untouched - reduces our available cognitive capacity because part of our brain is still fighting the urge to check it. That means less of our brain is available for problem-solving, creativity, and focus.

Your phone doesn’t have to buzz to distract you. Its presence alone is enough to steal your presence from others.

Trust in Meetings

In meetings, the effect goes beyond personal performance. Just one glance at a device from a coworker can break trust. Colleagues notice. The flow of conversation is disrupted, and people feel unheard, undervalued, and disengaged.

Leadership & Presence

Leaders set the tone. Managers checking emails mid-conversation may think they’re being efficient by multitasking, but the message received is disinterest, unimportance, and even disrespect. Over time, morale suffers from it. And when people don’t feel seen, they stop caring and sharing their best ideas.

Why This Matters

Digital presence is not the same as human presence. It doesn't matter if you are physically present if you are emotionally wrapped up in your phone. What we may think is multi-tasking is mental fragmentation for us, and emotional fragmentation to our teammates. 

Think about how it makes you feel when a friend or family member keeps look at his phone... not good. So don't do it to your teammates. Trust fuels good relationships, and good relationships fuel great business endeavors. 

So put your phone out of sight and engage with the amazing people around you. Those emails, text messages, and to do lists will still be there when you get back to the device. Enjoy your time without them!!