Tailorable blog

Concepts for the future of work: the mental strain injury (MSI) meter

We’re starting an online collection of concepts for the future of work: ideas about how knowledge workers may be supported to work freely, effectively and healthy. For an overview of the ones we have currently collected, and to contribute concepts yourself, please visit: concepts.futureworkspaces.nl.

One of the concepts I like a lot is the Mental Strain Injury (MSI) meter.
Digital nomads tend to have long working days. They are expected to be available during evenings and weekends, but also feel obliged to work during traditional working hours. So in the new world of work, work-life balance is not just fading – it’s shifting. And with less time to unwind, mental stress accumulates.

The MSI meter makes you aware how much mental strain has built up. It monitors your physiological stress levels (muscle tension in your shoulders and neck, eye blinking rate, heart rate, blood pressure) and warns you if these are out of healthy range. The meter makes you aware of this and provides suggestions for stress reduction. It suggests microbreaks or a change of activity, or even hints you to reschedule appointments.