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28th January 2021
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78% of construction workers use their personal smartphone whilst at work
The average British worker spends as many as 120 hours per year using their smartphone in the workplace, and those working in construction are among the worst culprits, with more than three quarters (78%) of construction workers admiting to using their smartphones during working hours.
Recent research involving 2,012 UK adults carried out by gadgets and technology e-tailer, LaptopsDirect.co.uk, has revealed that 78% of construction workers regularly respond to personal text messages during working hours, and 59% regularly take personal phone calls whilst working.
Of those surveyed, 52% admit to answering instant messages via platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook, whilst 9% have sent a Snapchat from their workplace. More than a third (38%) regularly check their social media accounts while in the workplace.
However, it should be noted that 44% of respondents said their workplace permitted reasonable use of smartphones, although 14% have been told off for using smartphones at work, while just 4% have been disciplined for use of their own tech during work time.
Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk, says: "It's no surprise that we are addicted to our smartphones; however, overuse during working hours can add up, leaving a serious shortfall in productivity.
"Although companies monitor and prohibit the use of social media during the working day, the research shows that there is still a large amount of people continuing to use their device.
"Use of smartphones and social media in the workplace can lead to hundreds of thousands of hours in lost productivity per year, which could cost UK companies millions of pounds."
The Top 10 Business Sectors Who Use Smartphones
* Marketing - 98%
* Information & communications - 96%
* Creative & photographic - 92%
* Professional services (law, accountancy) - 86%
* Trades (construction, plumbing) - 78%
* Manufacturing - 74%
* Retail - 64%
* Transportation - 48%
* Education - 44%
* Healthcare - 23%
10th March 2017