Recent research carried out by direct payment firm BACs reaveals that the number one cause of workplace inefficiency is technology. Slow computers, crashing IT systems and printer jams mean the average UK worker fritters away up to 48 minutes each day.
Other elements of frustration cited by the 1,000 employers polled are unnecessary phone and conference calls causing staff to squander 26 minutes and worthless meetings leading to the loss of 23 daily minutes. Combined with time spent dealing with annoying colleagues and sifting through unnecessary emails, the study claimed staff are wasting 160 minutes of working time each day - the equivalent of 80 days a year.
Michael Chambers, managing director of BACS, said: "No office can ever be 100% efficient - but it's ironic that so much time is being wasted on the very devices that we trust to streamline office processes."
Psychologist Nicola Barber added: "Most British workers are doing more than their contractual hours - the vast majority without overtime pay. By addressing inefficiencies some companies may be able to reduce the hours employees need to spend at work, and at the same time, keep the workforce happy and motivated."