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As a constant companion, the smartphone has also grown deeply into everyday working life. Short glances quickly turn into longer interruptions. This creates a silent time waster that many underestimate.
Over the past 15 years, the smartphone has gained a permanent place in many people’s everyday lives. In 2024 used in Germany 71.3 million people a smartphone; in 2014 the number was 41.1 million.
With more and more features, better cameras and the support of artificial intelligence, it is hardly surprising that these numbers will continue to rise in the coming years. According to forecasts, 72.5 million people in Germany could already own a smartphone by 2030.
These numbers are also noticeable in everyday working life. More and more people are becoming distracted by push notifications or chat messages while working.
Employees spend so much time on their cell phones
Although many employees rely on their smartphones during their work, a large proportion of the time spent on their cell phones is for private purposes. One representative survey The market researcher YouGov on behalf of the online retailer Galaxus confirms this in detail.
For the survey, more than 5,000 people in Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France and Italy were asked about their smartphone use at work. The answers paint a clear picture.
Respondents from all countries stated in the survey that they primarily use their smartphones for private purposes while at work. 65 percent of those surveyed use their smartphone for personal calls or chats.
The information category took second place in the survey on private use of smartphones at work. Because 51 percent of those surveyed check messages on their private smartphone while working.
Social networks are also not neglected for private use. Because 41 percent of those surveyed use their smartphone to check Facebook, Instagram, etc. while working.
Productivity killer smartphone at work
However, the constant presence of smartphones in everyday work poses an underestimated productivity risk for many companies. Briefly checking messages or social networks disrupts the flow of work and disrupts concentration.
In addition, the time that employees need to regain their full concentration increases. Since the brain has to constantly switch back and forth between tasks and stimuli, this behavior can have a negative impact on the susceptibility to errors and also the stress level.
This can have noticeable economic consequences for companies. The constant distraction caused by smartphones at work can slow down processes and thus extend project durations. As a result, employee motivation and satisfaction can suffer, but costs can also increase.
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As a Tech Industry expert, I believe that employees wasting time on their smartphones is a common issue that many companies face today. With the convenience and accessibility of smartphones, it is easy for employees to get distracted and spend excessive amounts of time on non-work related activities.
Studies have shown that employees can spend up to two hours per day on their smartphones, checking social media, browsing the internet, or engaging in other non-work related activities. This can significantly impact productivity and ultimately affect the overall performance of the company.
To address this issue, companies should consider implementing policies and guidelines regarding smartphone usage in the workplace. This could include limiting smartphone usage during work hours, implementing technology solutions to monitor and restrict smartphone usage, or providing training and education on the importance of staying focused and productive while at work.
Overall, it is important for companies to recognize the impact that smartphone usage can have on employee productivity and take proactive steps to address this issue in order to ensure optimal performance and success in the workplace.
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