Employees Frequently Indulge in Tech Distractions
82% of survey respondents say they check personal email during work hours, and three-quarters will do so at least weekly.
84% take personal calls while on the job, and three of five do so no less than once a week.
52% post to their social media accounts during business hours, and more than one-third will do this at least once a week.
45% play games while on the job, and more than one-third do so at least every week.
77% of those under age 45 will text on a mobile device while at work at least weekly, compared to 55% of those 45 or older.
49% of those under 35 while post to social media while on the clock, as opposed to just 28% of those 35 or older.
Of those who post on social media during the work day, 51% say it hurts their productivity a little and nearly one-third say it hurts productivity a lot or “a fair amount.”
Of those who play games while they’re supposed to be working, 51% say it hurts productivity at least a little and more than three in 10say it hurts a fair amount or a lot.
Of those who take personal calls during the day, 44% say it hurts productivity at least a little and 17% say it hurts a fair amount or a lot.
Don’t pretend that tech distractions aren’t happening. Acknowledge that they are, and set fair guidelines to establish expectations for these practices.
Foster a goal-driven culture that allows proven performers some slack on their use of devices for personal time while at work.
When the workplace is dreary, staffers seek out device distractions. If tasks are rewarding or challenging and the culture is appealing, they’re less inclined to do so.