The 7 office distractions causing British businesses to lose £250m annually

The productivity study from the technology vendor was in created alongside Stephen Westland, professor of colour science at the University of Leeds. It claims that workers only feel they’ve achieved something on 3.6 days of the week, which amounts to 70 lost days annually.

Results showed that workers can have their workflow interrupted every 15 minutes as 38 per cent check their emails every quarter of an hour, while over a fifth check every 22 minutes on average.

Graham Long, VP of Samsung’s Enterprise Business Team, said: “£250m is a big loss to the UK economy so it’s important that businesses recognise that having the right mix of technology in the workplace and fully enabling mobile working can positively impact employee productivity and engagement.”

A report on 15 April looked at what it is that motivates and keeps workers in their jobs – the top answer for Brits was location, which came in ahead of wages.

According to the study, the top seven office distractions are:

1. Loud talkers – 57 per cent

2. The phone ringing – 39 per cent

3. Unnecessary meetings – 26 per cent

4. Constant stream of emails – 22 per cent

5. Making tea rounds – 18 per cent

6. Office gossips – 16 per cent

7. People typing loudly – 12 per cent

In terms of the role technology is playing, the average worker uses two or three devices to do their job, spiking to five or six for ten per cent of people. Although 54 per cent of people said good-looking tech is important, 38 per cent are unimpressed with what the office provides.

Read more on productivity:

• UK election sparring begins in earnest, but the real issue is tackling productivity
• 4 ways to increase transparency and productivity in the office
• 7 drivers that could boost UK productivity

Elsewhere, the report found 22 per cent of people who work in a company office sometimes said working from their sofa at home makes them feel more productive.

Meanwhile, 32 per cent of people who regularly or always work from home have a dedicated workspace and 21 per cent get dressed for the day – contrasting past data that found a third of Brits wear pyjamas when working from home. Despite the intention to be productive indoors, distractions there include housemates, chores, the TV and pets.

“Today’s workplace is an ‘always on’ environment and as workers, we are more distracted, and more connected, than ever before,” Long added.

By Zen Terrelonge

Image: Shutterstock

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