A new Microsoft WorkLab report reveals that the modern workplace, reshaped by remote and hybrid work, is stretching the boundaries of the traditional workday, leaving employees tethered to their screens with little reprieve. The average knowledge worker now faces interruptions from apps like email, calendars, or messaging platforms roughly 275 times during an eight-hour workday—about once every 1.75 minutes. This relentless barrage of notifications is making it harder than ever to maintain focus during standard business hours.
The rise of distributed workforces across different time zones has further blurred the lines between work and personal life. One in five meetings now takes place outside typical work hours, with a 16% increase in meetings after 8 p.m. compared to last year. Employees are also sending or receiving an average of 50 messages outside core hours, and many are starting their days as early as 6 a.m., according to Colette Stallbaumer, co-founder of Microsoft WorkLab and general manager for Microsoft 365 Copilot.
This shift reflects a broader transformation in how work is structured, with remote work amplifying both connectivity and disruption. While technology enables collaboration across distances, the constant pings and extended hours risk burnout and diminished productivity. The challenge for companies lies in balancing accessibility with the need for uninterrupted focus, as the "infinite workday" becomes an unintended consequence of digital transformation.