By Daniel Hunter
Encouraging the use of mobile apps in the workplace could make for happier and more productive employees, according to research by webexpenses.
The research found that those using mobile apps at work are 21% more likely to be happier in their jobs compared to those who don’t use apps in the workplace.
With almost half (49%) of all employees saying there’s not enough time in the day to get everything done and 22% reporting that it’s difficult to keep on top of their workload, the research shows that the time-saving advantages of mobile apps could have huge benefits for the workforce.
It found that 42% of app users don’t use mobile technologies in the workplace and these ‘un-appy’ employees are missing out. Almost two thirds (63%) of people who do use apps at work report that their favourite mobile tools save them time, 39% say they enable them stay on top of tasks and 17% reveal that these apps help to manage finances.
Task management apps are UK employees’ favourite mobile tool, chosen by 44% of workplace app users. This is followed by travel apps (33%) and networking apps such as LinkedIn (26%).
When it comes to time, on average, ‘appy’ employees report that using mobile technology saves them almost an hour-and-a-half a week (86 minutes), which adds up to over six business hours over the course of a month. Over half (53%) say this is down to apps enabling them to do work on the go, and 43% acknowledge that mobile apps cut down on time spent on admin.
Nearly four-in-ten (38%) of all mobile app users report that their apps enhance their personal life and almost half (49%) say their apps save them time. However, these benefits don’t translate to the workplace, with 34% of employees who don’t use apps at work saying they can’t see any benefits in doing so, in spite of the advantages reported by those who use apps at work.
The research also found that using apps at work can have a positive impact on company finances. On average, workplace app users say they save their organisation over £157 a year each as a result of mobile apps, with 37% saying apps make their business more profitable by saving time spent on paperwork and 41% reporting that apps save their business cash by making it easy to keep track of company spending and expenses.
Michael Richards, Chairman of webexpenses, said: "The findings from our research reveal an interesting disparity when it comes to how individuals utilise mobile apps across both their personal and professional lives.
“I’d encourage everyone — employers and employees — to consider how they can make sure they don’t get left behind in the mobile app revolution. Whether it’s for keeping in touch with clients or managing expenses, mobile apps save people valuable time and hassle and that means they can focus their resource on more productive and less frustrating tasks.”
