It’s no doubt that Wi-Fi has changed the face of the workplace in the last ten years; employees can now remain connected to the internet all day, without being tied down to a hardware device such as a computer that can’t be moved from a desk.
With a reliable online network, operating mobile devices has meant that the workplace is more flexible and less dictated by timescales – it is also more susceptible to rapid changes. How has it impacted employee productivity? Together with KBR, business Wi-Fi providers, we explore how mobile internet connectivity has impacted the workplace and establish just how Wi-Fi has made the workplace more efficient and productive.
The BYOD culture and Wi-Fi go hand in hand
Whether it is a mobile-phone, a tablet or a laptop – the bring your own device or BYOD culture is a growing trend in the workplace that allows users to bring in devices from home.
When used correctly, the BYOD culture and a mobile internet connection can help to boost productivity. As a result of always being connected to the internet, employees can attend to tasks in ways they couldn’t before. For example, workers can reply to emails on their way to a meeting or outside of the office, and can also work on tasks during dead-time in the day, when they are not stationed at a computer.
Conducted by the Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group, a study found that ‘the average BYOD user across countries saves 37 minutes per week thanks to using their own device’. In addition to this, users in the United States saved a total of 81 minutes per week, whilst Germany saved four minutes per week. Although some countries are saving more time and being more productive than others, what this suggests is that globally, Wi-Fi networks combined with a BYOD culture is leading to an accrued saving of time, as opposed to wasted time inside and outside of the working day.
Based on time scales outside of the working day, a BYOD employee is working an extra two hours every day and is also sending 20 more emails every day, which is an impressive addition to productivity within the working week that is outside of designated working hours. This is likely to be because employees are more comfortable, and more aware of how to use their own devices.
Increases in productivity come at a cost; businesses have to spend more money than ever before on security measures that make sure businesses and employees are protected from malicious hacks into Wi-Fi servers, and anti-malware, encryption methods and passcodes are all used to help keep information secure.
Shifting priorities within the workplace
There is a burning debate within many businesses, and this is whether or not a BYOD culture within the workplace will lead to increased distractions. The answer to this question isn’t as straight-forward as corporations would like it to be. The answer is that although employees are more connected, they will spend more time during the day checking their own personal devices for updates. However, this works both ways. Any employer wants employees that are going to be around the business for a large majority of the working day and week; when something goes wrong in an employee’s personal life, they may be able to deal with the situation from the office – meaning that work can still be done and a worker doesn’t have to leave the office to deal with a situation.
Wi-Fi implementation within the globe
In the United States, disengaged employees account for a cost of $3,400 for every $10,000 USD worth of salary. That means for every starting salary of £16,376 in the UK, this can cost an employer £5,569 worth of disengagement. As research suggests, what makes employees more engaged is a mobile device and a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
Based on studies conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit surveying 1,865 employees, those who were connected to the internet on a mobile device contributed a 16% boost in productivity for that business, and a 18% boost in the actual creativity of employees when at work.
If one employee is working for 40 hours a week, this employee can contribute a 16% boost in productivity, which accounts for 41 working days per year. If more employees than just one become motivated by mobile technologies, then the savings in productivity efficiencies can become abundant. As well as productivity, it was established that job satisfaction increased by 23%, and loyalty to the company increased by 21%. This is probably down to the fact that employees can feel empowered when using their own smart-device, therefore, workers are made to feel that they are trusted to work on their own tasks independently throughout the day.
For businesses that incorporate a BYOD culture alongside an interconnected Wi-Fi policy, those that succeed welcome both with open arms. Mobile devices are increasing the independence of people across the globe, and it is no surprise that this trend has integrated itself into the workplace; if employers want to get the most out of employees, then trusting them with mobile devices connected to a safe Wi-Fi network is the best option to choose.
Sources:
http://www.itproportal.com/2015/12/22/why-byod-in-workplace-increases-productivity/
http://www.businessbee.com/resources/technology/connectivity/3-reasons-your-company-should-upgrade-to-a-wireless-network/
http://www.networkworld.com/article/3062058/mobile-wireless/a-mobile-first-strategy-improves-employee-productivity-study-finds.html
