The attention spans of workers in the United Kingdom are increasingly strained due to the prevalence of multi-screening during work hours.
A recent survey of 1,002 individuals in full or part-time employment revealed that 89 per cent confess to engaging in ‘tech multi-tasking,’ such as checking their devices during meetings. Additionally, 81 per cent reported doing so while performing other tasks at work.
The survey highlighted that checking emails is the primary activity that distracts employees. This is followed by frequent use of social media channels and instant messaging applications, including text messages and WhatsApp. While 45 per cent of respondents believe that multi-tasking with gadgets improves their efficiency, 53 per cent acknowledged that their concentration suffers as a result.
Matt Royle, a marketing director, stated, “The rise of multiple devices in the workplace in addition to the advent of remote cloud-based technologies mean that it’s never been easier for workers to be switched on 24/7 – but the research shows this isn’t always helpful. Some workers are being distracted by their devices during meetings, which can actually hamper productivity and focus.”
Despite the drawbacks, Royle also noted the positive aspects of having multiple devices in the workplace. “Technology has drastically improved working practices and has enabled us to make all areas of our working lives more efficient – with much of this efficiency being driven by access to multiple devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. This is the workforce of the future, where a fully mobile workforce can collaborate and continue working when travelling or outside the office. This enterprise mobile movement is set to continue and those who fully embrace the multi-device environment will enable employees to work more flexibly and efficiently.”
The phenomenon of tech multi-tasking highlights the evolving nature of the workplace, where the balance between efficiency and focus remains delicate.