New Generation of Executives reveal Strong Concern for Health and Productivity issues at work
Plantronics research encourages a new look at the way we work
1st September 2006 – To combat increased hours, stress and ill-health caused in the workplace, the next generation of business executives are demanding more from their employers than ever before, reveals recent Plantronics research[1]. With the total number of working hours increasing by 2.3 million to 926.9 million in August, according to figures from the Office of National Statistics, 85% of 20 to 30 year olds are looking to advances in technology and progressive office equipment to get away from their desks and make the most of their working day.
With 50% of office workers already feeling they are chained to their desks, those rising through the ranks are starting to challenge what has become the norm for the majority of office workers like long hours and traditional working methods. The current standards are contributing to back pain which is the UK’s second commonest cause of long term sickness absence, costing £6bn each year in benefits, treatments and lost production. The Plantronics survey showed that 80% of those interviewed felt that their health and productivity would be better if they could move around more at work and in a manner that was more suited their own work-style.
“The new generation of executives are more likely to integrate new technology into their working life and work in a smarter way. We can see from the response rate that the adoption and interest rate for new wireless equipment are highest at 84% for workers in their 20’s, with decreased delineation for each 10 year age group, with the over-60s confirming that only 46% believe new technology will make them more effective at work. New standards need to evolve to create a healthy working environment and attract and retain the best young talent who are looking at work-life pressures with fresh expectations and ideas,” explains Philippe Vanhoutte, managing director, Plantronics EMEA.
Plantronics research also reveals that four out of five officer workers believe that the modern workplace requires a greater ability to multi-task compared with five years ago. Independent research by performance consulting firm HB Maynard confirmed the role of headsets as efficient workplace technology, improving productivity as much as 43%. In its controlled testing over an eight day period, not only was a reduced error rate and improved service record noted, but workers on the phone full-time with Plantronics headsets placed an average of 16 more calls per day than those using traditional handsets. Perhaps most telling of all, workers equipped with Plantronics headsets reported higher morale, lower fatigue levels and fewer phone-related physical complaints.
The health benefit of headsets also shines through - there is a measurable risk for anyone using the phone for as little as two hours a day; especially in terms of phone cradling between head and neck. University of Surrey in a report titled ‘The Effect of Telephone Headset Use on Working Posture and Self Reported Musculoskeletal Symptoms: An Intervention Study’ confirms that headset users experience a reduction of 31% in neck pain and 16% lower back pain.
“These statistics are clear; the drive to change the workplace to a smarter and more flexible environment will increase productivity and reduce sickness and absence, which will make for a happier workforce. The call to employers to embrace and provide a wireless office is on,” said Vanhoutte.
[1] Independent research by KRC Research of 750 office workers in the UK and across EMEA, in August 2006, March 2006 and October 2005
