Over three quarters of UK employees use their smartphones in the workplace ⁰

A majority (84 percent) of British employees use their smartphones at work, with 78 percent regularly responding to text messages during working hours and on average spending as many as 120 hours per year using their smartphones during the working day claims new research. The data, compiled by LaptopsDirect.co.uk, also found that 59 percent regularly take personal phone calls whilst working; 52 percent admit to answering instant messages via platforms such as Whatsapp and Facebook, and 9 percent have sent a Snapchat from their workplace. Employers are not completely against the use of smartphones, though under half (44 percent) permit the reasonable use of smartphones, according to the research; but 14 percent of respondents admit to having been told off for using smartphones at work, and 4 percent have been disciplined for use of their own tech during work time. Of most concern for employers is the fact that more than a third (38 percent) of respondents regularly check their social media accounts while at work.

Those working in marketing were the worst culprits, with 98 percent admitting to peeking at smartphones, followed by those working in information and communications (96 percent).

The Top 10 Business Sectors Who Use Smartphones

1. Marketing – 98 percent
2. Information and communications – 96 percent
3. Creative and photographic – 92 percent
4. Professional service (law, accountancy) – 86 percent
5. Trades (construction, plumbing) – 78 percent
6. Manufacturing – 74 percent
7. Retail – 64 percent
8. Transportation – 48 percent
9. Education – 44 percent
10. Healthcare – 23 percent

Mark Kelly, marketing manager at LaptopsDirect.co.uk, said: “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.”