People who use mobile apps at work are 21 percent more likely to be happy with their jobs than those who don’t, according to new research from webexpenses.
The cloud software company’s study of 2,005 people, including 1,000 office workers, reveals that almost half (49%) of employees find there isn’t enough time in the day to get everything done, while 22 percent said that they struggle to keep on top of their workload. This suggests that the time-saving nature of mobile apps could be a beneficial addition to working environments.
Michael Richards, Chairman of webexpenses, said:
“The findings from our research reveal an interesting disparity when it comes to how individuals utilise mobile apps across both their personal and professional lives. 38 percent of the mobile app users who responded to our survey said that using apps enhances their personal life and almost half (49%) say apps save them time; yet millions of people still aren’t reaping the benefits of using apps in the workplace.”
The study showed that 42 percent of app users don’t use mobile technologies in the workplace and are potentially missing out on a key method of productivity.
Almost two thirds of respondents who use apps at work said that the mobile tools saved them an average of almost an hour and a half a week (86 minutes), which adds up to almost a full business day per month. 39 percent said using them allowed them to stay on top of tasks and 53 percent reported that the use of apps means they can work on the move.
38 percent of app users said that mobile technology has enhanced their personal life, with 17 percent using apps to manage their finances. However, this feeling is not always transferred to the workplace, as 34 percent of employees who don’t utilise mobile technology at work said they can’t see the benefit in doing so.
Company finances do profit from the use of apps however. The research revealed that on average, mobile technology users report savings of £157 over the course of a year as a result and 37 percent felt that the combined time shaved off of their daily duties such as admin and paperwork made their business more cost-effective.
Richards added:
“I’d encourage everyone – employers and employees – to consider how they can make sure they don’t get left behind in the mobile app revolution. Whether it’s for keeping in touch with clients or managing expenses, mobile apps save people valuable time and hassle and that means they can focus their resource on more productive and less frustrating tasks.”
Task management apps are UK employees’ favourite mobile tool, chosen by 44 percent of workplace app users. This is followed by travel apps (33%) and networking apps such as LinkedIn (26%).
Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.
