Technology to Narrow Gap in Productivity

Giving workers better access to technology will help narrow gap in productivity, a study has claimed.

15:03 24 September 2018

A new study released by accountancy firm Deloitte has found that smartphones could be the key to boost employees’ productivity. It said that of the 32million people working in the UK, half of them spend time away from a fixed location for their role. However, only 37per cent of them use smartphone or tablet for work purposes.

 

Claire Jolly, head of Deloitte's Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) group in the North West, says: “For any role that requires movement, mobile technology should be essential," she said. “Almost one-in-three UK workers do not use a mobile device, despite spending a proportion of their time working away from a desk.

 

"There is a clear opportunity to narrow the productivity gap through improving the technology that is issued to employees. With every year tablets and smartphones become more capable: they are more powerful, secure and connect faster.

 

"Many consumer processes, from payments to travel to consulting doctors, have been re-designed for a mobile screen and the same revolution can now benefit the UK’s businesses. UK workers can unshackle themselves from their desks, and leave their bulky laptops behind.

 

“It is no wonder that we are seeing smartphones becoming the ideal device to enable employees to access information and respond to it on the go. The smartphone will play a pivotal role in transforming the workplace and significantly improve productivity.”