Technology 'misuse' leads to time-wasting at work

So that explains why NTL:Telewest has yet to return our calls

By Tim Richardson, 22nd May 2006

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Misuse of office technology adds more than two hours to the average British working day, according to research released today by cableco NTL:Telewest.

Its study found that far from improving productivity, email, voicemail, and the internet can all distract workers, leading to increased time wasting.

The report said: "Highlighted in the research was the over-reliance on voicemail when returning or making phone calls, having to wait for people to call you back before you get the answer you require" (boy, we see what you mean. We telephoned NTL:Telewest PR with some questions, but no one was available. Just voicemail. We left a message but we've still heard nothing).

"Similarly, a delay caused by having to wait for emails to be answered with relevant information was another area that increased time wastage each day," explained the cableco's research (err, look, this is rather embarrassing. Cos we had to leave a voicemail, we also took the belt and braces approach and emailed NTL:Telwest's PR for a follow-up...but still no reply, ho hum).

Overall, the cableco's study reckons that people waste just over two hours at day at work with around 100 minutes "due to communication technologies not being used to good effect".

Oh, like PRs putting their name and contact details at the bottom of press release and then not being available to speak to?

Anyhow, El Reg wanted to know how much time is wasted each day by workers who lack motivation and drive, who are staring redundancy in the face, and who've decided that it's probably better to check out some job sites instead of doing their day job?

Earlier this month NTL confirmed plans to axe around 6,000 UK jobs while outsourcing a "significant number" as part of its merger with Telewest. ®

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