Our working habits don’t seem to have caught up to current technological capabilities, with two-thirds of UK workers going into the office at weekends and public holidays, according to new research from Microsoft Lumia.
Despite nearly a third (30%) of respondents agreeing that their smart phone is essential to their jobs, the survey of 2000 UK employees found that nearly half of workers still spend their 40 hour weeks at their office desk.
Nikki Moore, technology expert, presenter and author of GirlGeekChic.com, said:
“As technology evolves and smartphones get better, maximising productivity and managing your own work life balance has never been easier. I still find it quite surprising though that people don’t use their smartphones to a greater extent. Personally, my smartphone is my lifeline and the most efficient way to keep up with my blog, check my emails and social media. As a lover of all things tech, I’m always on the lookout for the next best thing that can increase my productivity and output.”
Microsoft Lumia’s research reveals that although a third of people say smartphones can make them more efficient, this doesn’t necessarily extend to their working life. Most respondents reported that their mobile is primarily for social use such as texting friends and family (67%), checking Facebook (50%) and personal banking (37%).
One in five employees did report using their smart phones for work purposes but 58 percent admitted that they don’t utilise this technology to its full potential. 37 percent said that although they are aware their phone has software for editing documents and creating spreadsheets they have never used it, and a surprising 21 percent of workers have claimed to have missed deadlines because of a lack of technology that was in fact available on their smart phone.
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.