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New CareerBuilder Survey Reveals How Much Smartphones Are Sapping Productivity at Work - CareerBuilder

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New CareerBuilder Survey Reveals How Much Smartphones Are Sapping Productivity at Work - CareerBuilder

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3 in 4 employers say two or more hours a day are lost in productivity because employees are distracted

Survey reveals this year's most common and unusual productivity killers

CHICAGO - June 9, 2016 - While technology helps workers stay connected while away from the office, in many cases it is causing them to disconnect while in the office, leading to a negative impact on productivity. According to new CareerBuilder research, 1 in 5 employers (19 percent) think workers are productive less than five hours a day. When looking for a culprit, more than half of employers (55 percent) say that workers' mobile phones/texting are to blame.

INFOGRAPHIC: http://cb.com/Productivitykillers

The national survey was conducted online by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder between February 10 and March 17, 2016, and included a representative sample of 2,186 hiring managers and human resource professionals and 3,031 full time, U.S. workers in the private sector across industries and company sizes.

More than 8 in 10 workers (83 percent) have smartphones, and 82 percent of those with smartphones keep them within eye contact at work. And while only 10 percent of those with smartphones say it's decreasing their productivity at work, 2 in 3 (66 percent) say they use it (at least) several times a day while working.

"While we need to be connected to devices for work, we're also a click away from alluring distractions from our personal lives like social media and various other apps," said Rosemary Haefner, chief human resources officer at CareerBuilder. "The connectivity conundrum isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it needs to be managed. Have an open dialogue with employees about tech distractions. Acknowledge their existence and discuss challenges/solutions to keeping productivity up."
Wasting Time at Work
When asked to name the biggest productivity killers in the workplace, employers cited cell phones/texting, followed by the Internet and workplace gossip:

Cell phone/texting: 55 percent

The Internet: 41 percent

Gossip: 39 percent

Social media: 37 percent

Co-workers dropping by: 27 percent

Smoke breaks or snack breaks: 27 percent

Email: 26 percent

Meetings: 24 percent

Noisy co-workers: 20 percent

Sitting in a cubicle: 9 percent

The majority of workers with smartphones (65 percent) do not have their work emails on their smartphones. Of those who access their smartphone during work for non-work use, they spend their time on these non-work related sites during work:

Personal messaging: 65 percent

Weather: 51 percent

News: 44 percent

Games: 24 percent

Shopping: 24 percent

Traffic: 12 percent

Gossip: 7 percent

Sales: 6 percent

Adult: 4 percent

Dating: 3 percent

The High Costs of Low Productivity
Three in four employers (75 percent) say two or more hours a day are lost in productivity because employees are distracted. Forty-three percent say at least three hours a day are lost. Productivity killers can lead to negative consequences for the organization, including:

Compromised quality of work: 48 percent

Lower morale because other workers have to pick up the slack: 38 percent

Negative impact on boss/employee relationship: 28 percent

Missed deadlines: 27 percent

Loss in revenue: 26 percent

Negative impact on client relationships: 20 percent

More than 3 in 4 employers (76 percent) have taken at least one step to mitigate productivity killers, such as blocking certain Internet sites (32 percent) and banning personal calls/cell phone use (26 percent). Other efforts to mitigate productivity killers include:

Schedule lunch and break times: 24 percent

Monitor emails and Internet usage: 19 percent

Limit meetings: 17 percent

Allow people to telecommute: 14 percent

Have an open space layout instead of cubicles: 14 percent

Restrict use of speakerphones if not in an office: 13 percent

Increase height of cubicle walls to make it easier to concentrate: 8 percent

The Craziest Non-Work Activities Workers Have Done On the Job
Employers were also asked to reveal the most unusual or most memorable things they have caught an employee doing when they should have been working. Some examples included:

1. Employee was working on a scrapbook.

2. Employee was decorating a cubicle with chains of paper clips.

3. Employee brought her equipment for her embroidery business from home and was making items for a craft show to sell.

4. Employee was doing doughnuts in the parking lot in the snow.

5. Employee brought in a kitten she found outside and tried to keep it quiet within a large purse.

6. Employee was working on her child's school project that included uncooked macaroni noodles.

7. Employee was laying on a patient's bed talking to the patient while the patient sat in her wheelchair

8. Employee was watching YouTube videos of people shoving marshmallows in their mouth.

9. Employee was doing some personal grooming in the break room.

10. Employee was searching on craigslist for dates.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online within the U.S. by Harris Poll on behalf of CareerBuilder among 2,186 hiring and human resource managers and 3,031 workers ages 18 and over (employed full-time, not self-employed, non-government) between February 10 and March 17, 2016 (percentages for some questions are based on a subset, based on their responses to certain questions). With pure probability samples of 2,186 and 3,031, one could say with a 95 percent probability that the overall results have sampling errors of +/- 2.10 and +/- 1.78 percentage points, respectively. Sampling error for data from sub-samples is higher and varies.
About CareerBuilder®
As the global leader in human capital solutions, CareerBuilder specializes in cutting-edge HR software as a service to help companies with every step of the recruitment process from acquire to hire. CareerBuilder works with top employers across industries, providing job distribution, sourcing, workflow, CRM, data and analytics in one pre-hire platform. It also operates leading job sites around the world. Owned by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE:TGNA), Tribune Media (NYSE:TRCO) and The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI), CareerBuilder and its subsidiaries operate in the United States, Europe, South America, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.
Media Contact
Ladan Nikravan
312.698.0538 x70538
ladan.nikravan@careerbuilder.com
http://www.twitter.com/CareerBuilderPR

CareerBuilder Media Contact
For all media inquiries and interview requests, contact:

Jennifer Grasz
(P) 773-527-1164
(E) jennifer.grasz@careerbuilder.com

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New CareerBuilder Survey Reveals How Much Smartphones Are Sapping Productivity at Work

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3 in 4 employers say two or more hours a day are lost in productivity because employees are distracted Survey reveals this year's most common and unusual productivity killers CHICAGO - June 9, 2016 - While technology helps workers stay connected while away from the office, in many cases it is causing them to disconnect while in the office, leading to a negative impact on productivity.

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How to Terminate an Employee the Right Way - The Hartford

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How to Terminate an Employee the Right Way - The Hartford

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How to Terminate an Employee the Right Way - The Hartford

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Firing an employee is one the most difficult human resources (HR) challenges a small business faces. Learn how to do it in the Business Owner�s Playbook.

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Cell Phone Etiquette for the Workplace | Business Hub | Staples.com®

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Cell Phone Etiquette for the Workplace | Business Hub | Staples.com®

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Cell Phone Etiquette in the Workplace: Got a Policy?

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Cell Phone Etiquette in the Workplace: Got a Policy?

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April 25th, 2015 - Cell Phone Use in the Workplace: Manners Matter to all Generations

When was the last time you were in a meeting, had a business dinner or simply sat at your desk in an open space office, wondering how humans became enslaved by a small, squared device that rings, beeps or buzzes constantly, turning people into cell phone addicts? Not only is the permanent noise and digital chatter distracting, consequences also include attention deficit disorder for the simple things in life and lack of basic human interaction. Interpersonal skills are top of the list on most job descriptions - yet, the way we use our cell phones in the workplace doesn't speak for much competence in this area...
From a Generation X perspective...
To Generation X, smartphone usage in the workplace is both a problem and a gift. It's a gift because we have a 24/7 lifeline to our families, doctors and the urgent matters in our life, no matter where we are. But it's a problem because some employees have a 24/7 lifeline to their thousands of "friends" on Facebook and Instagram, causing all sorts of distractions. Staying in touch or getting things done is not the same as constant text chatting with no purpose.

One reason cell phone use in the workplace has become a problem for Generation X, is because like open seating, we did not grow up in the corporate world with a cell phone. It's all new and there aren't enough boundaries for our structured lives. With this open seating plan, we hear and see it all: "users" seem to always be distracted, "users" are rarely engaged with each other physically, and while I admire a unique ring tone, save it for the playground.

Even though smartphone use is accelerating, Gen X is not nearly as addicted to their phones as Generation Y or Z, especially in the workplace. Once a Gen Y I tried to meet with, searched 5 things or places on his phone in our 1 minute conversation. Needless to say, he was looking more at his device than me when I was talking to him. While this may have seemed like efficient multi-tasking to him, it felt disrespectful and ignorant to me. Remember, Gen X are the driven warriors, the responsible workers who focus and get things done, and we still want the directed attention we didn't get as children.
Phones will be our Briefcase and our Lifeline
Phones will always be in our briefcases, in fact the phone WILL BE our briefcase and our shrinky-dink tribe. And soon Generation Z (also called iGen for a reason) will be entering the workforce. So how does a company manage a tiny device causing so much controversy? Banning smartphones leads to micro-managing which means "work from home" where no one is watching. Yet free use leads to lower productivity, loud offices and reasons for never having a meeting if a person doesn't look up. Do I sense a hot mess?
The Solution is to Craft and Implement a Realistic Policy
Why? Because I hear this all the time from Gen X peers in small and large businesses: "We have a policy around the use of smartphones and social media at work, but it is barely enforced." Here are some suggestions for cell phone usage in the workplace that are simple (i.e. accomplishable), yet can have a powerful and positive impact on your workforce - across all generations:

As a Gen X, I would expect a policy like this to be innate, a policy based on common sense. But because smartphone usage is so new and so exciting, maybe employees can't control themselves. In many cases, phone etiquette parallels a person's etiquette in general, so not everyone " just knows". With a policy to promote etiquette, we will all learn over time whether by rules, by rewards or by reminders.

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Cell Phone Etiquette in the Workplace: Got a Policy?

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April 25th, 2015 - Cell Phone Use in the Workplace: Manners Matter to all Generations When was the last time you were in a meeting, had a business dinner or simply sat at your desk in an open space office, wondering how humans became enslaved by a small, squared device that rings, beeps or buzzes constantly,...

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Workplace Cell Phone Etiquette | Joann Hill | Pulse | LinkedIn

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Workplace Cell Phone Etiquette | Joann Hill | Pulse | LinkedIn

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Back To Career News

Cellphones are a part of everyday life for most of us in 2015, yet many businesses still don't have policies where their use is concerned. Even if your company has laid out some rules, there are probably still some gray areas that leave you scratching your head. These tips could help you ensure you're not stepping on any toes, or offending anyone, while allowing you to keep using your phone at work.

Cellphones are a part of everyday life for most of us in 2015, yet many businesses still don't have policies where their use is concerned. Even if your company has laid out some rules, there are probably still some gray areas that leave you scratching your head. These tips could help you ensure you're not stepping on any toes, or offending anyone, while allowing you to keep using your phone at work.

(Photo Credit: nordique/Flickr)

Here are some rules for cellphone etiquette in the workplace.
1. Consider an alternative time-checking device.
You know, like a watch or a clock? Many people use their phone to check the time these days, but you could be giving the impression that you are more distracted, and that you're using your phone a lot more, than you actually are. Try checking the wall clock instead. Or, maybe even considering dusting off one of your old watches that's been sitting in a box for 10 years.
2. Switch the ringer to silent.
This item is rule number one for a lot of folks, and it is kind of obvious. All the more reason to never let that ringtone echo through the caverns of a meeting ever again. If the phone is sitting in front of you, or resting in your pocket, you should be able to tell when that urgent - or maybe not so urgent - call is coming through.
3. Do what the boss does - most of the time.
If it's a casual meeting, sometimes it is OK to text a little, check emails, or search for something related to the conversation, on your phone. This is particularly true if your boss is doing the same. There are exceptions, though. Some supervisors don't follow good cellphone etiquette rules, and their phone use angers other co-workers. Don't take it too far just because the boss does. But, generally, following the lead set by your employer is a good rule of thumb.
4. Briefly explain what you're up to.
If you are in a meeting, and you want to check an email or check something on the internet in order to further the conversation at hand, explain that before you take out your phone. Say, "I'm just going to double check that email," for example, so that everyone knows that you're not texting your dog walker and that you are actually on task. Transparency is always good.
5. Keep your voice down.
This is particularly true if you work in a cubicle. It is courteous to keep your voice down whenever you're talking on a cellphone in public. You don't want to disrupt others and dominate the space, whether you're at dinner, on the subway, or at the office. Lowering your voice, or finding a private space to have your conversation, is just polite.
6. Lean on texting.
Texting works well in the office for the everyday stuff, such as grocery list changes, or check-ins about the evening's plans. If you get a call, respond with a text and explain that you're at the office and that texting works better for you when you're at work. The people in your life will start to catch on, and will default to contacting you by text or email during daytime hours. Texting is great because you can respond when you have the time and the privacy to do so. It's quick and not very disruptive. You can even keep the phone in a coat pocket, in your closet on a hook, and check it at your convenience before returning it to its place and getting yourself back to work.
7. Keep it appropriate.
A good rule is, don't do anything with technology at work that you wouldn't want everyone in the office to know about. Don't go on any websites that you wouldn't want everyone to know you'd visited, don't send any emails that you wouldn't want them to see, don't even send a text that you'd feel funny about others reading. You are at work. Things happen. If your phone falls into the wrong hands, or someone looks over your shoulder, you don't want to have to stomach that, "I'm busted," feeling - it's not fun. Also, your employers might be watching your internet use more than you think. Be safe and extra careful.
8. Extend the etiquette beyond the office.
These rules also apply, but can be loosened just a bit, when you're with work people outside of the office. If you're out to lunch for example, or on a business trip, remember that you're still working. The same rules of etiquette apply here as they do in the office. While you're at it, maybe consider curtailing cellphone use in your personal life as well. It's important that your people there know you're engaged and fully present with them too.
Tell Us What You Think
What are your rules for cellphone etiquette at work? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.

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These days, almost everyone has a cellphone, and most of us use them at work. Whether your company has a policy around cellphone use or not, there are a few rules to live by in order to keep using your phone at work without it causing you any trouble.

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Tips on Workplace Cell Phone Etiquette | PatriciaRossi.com

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Tips on Workplace Cell Phone Etiquette | PatriciaRossi.com

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Good cell phone etiquette is a must in today's world - as everyone is constantly plugged in and connected during all waking hours of the day.
Unfortunately most companies do not have written policies on smartphone use at the workplace, and some employees take advantage of this grey area without intentionally realizing that they are using their device in an offensive way.

Luckily there are ways to use your cell phone and still have manners at the office. The following are a few tips and ideas on workplace smartphone etiquette -

1~ Never Use Your Phone During Meetings. Almost everyone knows to put their phone on silent during a meeting, yet they still read texts or scroll through emails by constantly glancing under the table. This small act is noticed by almost everyone and is more than annoying to colleagues, but extremely disrespectful to the person speaking. The best thing to do is leave your phone at your desk during meetings so that your full, undivided attention can be given to the talking at hand. If you are expecting an important call and must bring your phone, tell everyone before the meeting begins and excuse yourself from the room if necessary.

2~ Always Give Full Attention to Personal Conversations. When talking to someone face to face, never interrupt the conversation by looking down at your phone and texting. Always give personal conversations your undivided attention, making that person feel important.

3~ Have a Professional Ringtone. Fight the urge to download your favorite jingle as your cell phone's ringtone. That might be okay for a teenager, but you need to look professional in every aspect, while at the office.

4~ Turn Your Phone Off During Business Lunches. Never place your cell phone on the table or in your pocket during a business luncheon. Even though these encounters may take place away from the office, they are still a time for you to professionally represent yourself and your company. Before sitting down for the meal, make sure to turn your phone to silent mode and put it away in a place where it will not be seen.

5~ Take Personal Calls In Private. It can be very distracting to fellow colleagues to hear you on a personal call while they are trying to work. If it is necessary to make a personal call during business hours, the proper thing to do is to find an empty conference room or step into a quiet hallway where no one can be distracted by your conversation.
Following these simple tips and keeping your personal calls and smartphone time to minimum while at the office will help you to stay focused on your work and show your boss and co-workers that you are a dedicated employee.

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Good cell phone etiquette is a must in today's world - as everyone is constantly plugged in and connected during all waking hours of the day. Unfortunately most companies do not have written policies on smartphone use at the workplace, and some employees take advantage of this grey area without intentionally realizing that they are using their device in an offensive way.