IT issues are causing significant productivity and financial losses, new research suggests.
A survey of 1,137 UK workers in full or part-time employment has revealed that companies could be losing up to £3.4 billion every year due to problem IT.
The study suggests that workers who use IT systems waste an average of 21 minutes of their working day attempting to fix connections and tech issues, adding up to significant losses in efficiency.
The most common issues faced by those surveyed were slow running equipment, internet connectivity issues, cyber breaches, problems with a printer or scanner, and outdated hardware.
Over a quarter agreed that their workplace IT systems have hindered their productivity, rising to 33 per cent in larger companies with in-house IT departments.
Those surveyed who have an in-house IT department admitted that a long wait for support had resulted in an attempt to fix IT issue themselves, which often made the problem worse.
“It’s clear from our findings that businesses are not helping themselves when it comes to resolving IT related issues,” said Matt Royle, marketing director at Probrand, which carried out the study.
“Naturally, issues arise from the IT itself as well as end user error. Employee training can help here on basic use of IT systems, processes and company policies – particularly when it comes to cyber and data security.”