UK small business workers are losing 5.5 hours office time a week because of office irritations, according to new research by Samsung Electronics.
The findings – part of Samsung’s ‘More Good Days at Work’ initiative which shows small businesses how innovative technology can help their staff to have better days at work – uncovers the amount of lost time they face because of these distractions, and the office bug bears behind the losses.
Technology issues caused the most lost time, at an average of 27 minutes a day (or just over two hours per week). Crashing computers (92 per cent) and slow internet (92 per cent) were the two biggest technology office irritations, closely followed by no access to emails (85 per cent).
Distractions caused by co-workers caused 22 minutes a day of downtime (just under two hours per week). Moaning (which annoys 84 per cent of small business workers), eating loudly or messily (83 per cent) and interruptions while talking (80 per cent) were the biggest office irritations.
General office issues contributed 19 minutes a day (1.5 hours a week) in lost time. Being too hot or too cold (82 per cent), uncomfortable seating (81 per cent) and a messy workplace (80 per cent) were the top frustrations.
Samsung is now warning small businesses that lost time could just be the tip of the iceberg: three in 10 (30 per cent) people have left a job because they were irritated by colleagues, 20 per cent because of the workplace itself and 10 per cent because technology was too much of a pain point.
Professor Sir Cary L Cooper, CBE, University of Manchester thinks that office irritations might seem insignificant in isolation, but – combined – they add up to a lot of lost working time.
Cooper adds, ‘This is a big issue for the UK as it currently sits 7th in the G7 and 17th in the G20 on productivity per person, showing that these distractions could be causing a big impact. With increased competition and rising costs, small businesses must address these sooner, rather than later to avoid missing out on valuable office hours and losing team members.’
Coping mechanisms
When faced with office niggles, Brits are most likely to put the kettle on: making a cup of tea or coffee is the top action taken by small business workers when they feel mildly irritated by technology (42 per cent), colleagues (32 per cent) or general workplace issues (32 per cent). While a cup of tea can help calm irritations throughout the day, respondents are taking their frustrations home.
A third (33 per cent) suffer from sleepless nights because of these issues, while two in five are potentially damaging their relationships and health by venting frustrations to loved ones (21 per cent), overeating (19 per cent), drinking alcohol (19 per cent) and smoking (18 per cent).
Graham Long, vice president of enterprise at Samsung UK & Ireland, thinks that we all know when we’ve had a good or a bad day at work and this research shows that it can be anything from the technology being used to colleagues’ eating habits causing these office irritations.
Long adds, ‘As small businesses look to stay competitive, it’s important for those that are in charge to understand what is working and what isn’t. Technology plays a bigger part in that than ever: tablets, laptops, internet… they can get you through the day, or they can be the ultimate office irritations.
‘At Samsung, we are constantly innovating to give you products that can make the difference between a good day and a bad one.’
Top tips to having more good days at work from Professor Sir Cooper.
Don’t be passive, take control
Research finds that when people feel that they don’t have control over situations they can become stressed, annoyed and angry. This is counter-productive in the context of work. So if you have a problem then identify it and look at the options to deal with it—taking the option that produces the greatest gains and least costs.
Be patient
In this fast moving world of work, particularly in a technology driven workplace, it is important to be patient. If you’re having technological difficulties, it is best to do other things in the meantime (e.g. make any phone calls you’ve been putting off, go to a meeting, etc.) while the problems are sorted out. Remember, patience is a virtue in a world when people are demanding quality service as well as products.
Connect with people
Creating good working relationships with colleagues is important to avoid annoying situations and conflict with workmates. It’s important to meet colleagues face-to-face as much as possible to build these effective and socially supporting relationships. This should prevent annoying interpersonal problems at work.
Take stress breaks
In the frenetic workplace of the 21st century, the pressures can mount and people can be frustrated easily, creating a tension in relationships, with any minor problem (e.g. computer issue) also being over-exaggerated. Have a break for tea or lunch with colleagues can be a good coping strategy to reduce annoyances.
Exercise
On the way to work, at lunch or on the way home, ensure you do some exercise during the week; when physically fit you are less likely to be sensitive to annoyances, whether from colleagues, technology or general office issues.
Further reading on office happiness
