Workers are spending too much time in the office, says Microsoft

-

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.”

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

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.

Latest news

Superdry co-founder’s victim warns workplace power can silence abuse victims

A survivor's account raises questions about speaking-up cultures and accountability in organisations.

UK’s always-on work culture ‘driving employee burnout’

Nearly half of UK workers say they end most working days mentally exhausted as rising workplace pressure leaves employees and managers struggling to switch off.

Andrew Murray on why no two days look alike

A people development leader shares how travel, training and a passion for helping others shape a working day with little room for routine.

Lucy Standing: Older workers are back in the centre of the hiring debate – ready to lead the response?

For HR leaders, the argument is simple: the people being filtered out of your hiring process are not past their best.
- Advertisement -

One in 10 women quit work after pregnancy loss, report finds

Research suggests inconsistent workplace support following pregnancy loss and maternity leave is contributing to resignations and poorer mental wellbeing.

Fear of becoming obsolete grips workers as AI reshapes careers

More than two in five workers worry their skills could become outdated as AI reshapes hiring demands and increases pressure to keep learning.

Must read

Nicky Chenery: Putting smart safety at the top of the business agenda

Nicky Chenery explains how to unlock a health and safety culture with technology, training and communication, arguing that there is no excuse for lack of training.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you