A new report has revealed that workers taking advantage of unofficial breaks are managing to quietly boost their annual leave allowance.
These time-wasting techniques are estimated to be adding the equivalent of around three weeks off work each year.
Time-wasting at work
So, what are these everyday distractions?
Unsurprisingly, social media was cited as the top time-wasting activity for employees. As many as 30% admitted to scrolling at work, with the average amount of time each person spends a day averaging 33 minutes.
Other reasons given for pulling workers away from their work tasks (both in the office and remotely) include:
- Texting (cited by 28%)
- Making dinner (26%)
- Cleaning the house (23%)
- Life admin (23%)
- Personal phone calls (21%)
- Traffic delays (18%)
- Smoke or vape breaks (18%)
- Tea rounds (17%)
- Online shopping (17%)
Need help deciding between Limited or Umbrella? We are happy to help- give Sophie a call on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com
Has remote working resulted in more distractions?
While full-time remote working isn’t as commonplace, some businesses are allowing their employees to work on a hybrid basis.
Working from home has certainly introduced further distractions for workers, and it makes it more difficult for firms to monitor their habits.
The Haypp report suggests the following advice for businesses to limit the impact of unofficial work breaks:
- Set clear boundaries for flexible work
- Review social media policies
- Streamline meetings and emails, making them shorter to free up time for core tasks
- Promote effective time management
- Encourage wellbeing tasks
- Support disconnection
To find out more about contracting, please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.
Trusted by over 1,000 contractors |