Category: Work

Over a third of Irish employees admit to faking activity at work – Workhuman Survey

Workhuman the Irish tech unicorn revolutionizing the way employees celebrate, connect with, and appreciate each other in the workplace, today announces new findings from its Human Workplace Index, which found that 36% of Irish employees admit faking activity at work, with 37% of these individuals citing the pursuit of a better work-life balance as a key motivation for this behaviour. Burnout (27%) and unrealistic expectations (25%) were also factors cited as reasons. The survey further details how employees spend their time when pretending to be busy, with 42% scrolling through social media and 41% handling personal errands during work hours.

The Human Workplace Index surveyed 1,000 full-time employees in Ireland and was commissioned by Workhuman and conducted by Pollfish to gain insights into employee engagement and productivity.

The survey also uncovers a correlation between employee engagement and the likelihood of faking activity at work. According to the findings, employees who are less engaged are more prone to pretend they are working. Specifically, 54% of respondents admitted that when they aren’t feeling engaged, they do the bare minimum to get through the day, while 17% confessed to faking activity during these periods of low engagement.

Additionally, the data shows that 29% of employees reported they are required to use time-tracking software on their work devices, and 72% of managers believe it is important to know the exact hours their direct reports work. This emphasis on monitoring could unintentionally lead to more faking activity, as employees may feel pressured to appear busy. On the other hand, supportive management practices can have a positive impact. Nearly half of the employees (46%) believe that their manager’s involvement helps them perform their jobs better, while 32% say that their manager helps remove roadblocks, which can potentially increase employees’ productivity.

Niamh Graham, Senior Vice President of Global Human Experience, Workhuman, said: “The reality is that most Irish employees aren’t faking activity, but many feel compelled to do so. Our research findings highlight deeper issues around workplace expectations, and the illusion of being ‘always on’, with many employees feeling they need to fake activity to appear busy, rather than being genuinely productive. To address this, companies should focus on building a high-trust culture where employees are recognized for their results. High-trust, collaborative working environments, combined with meaningful recognition, can drive greater engagement, higher productivity, and a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. This approach not only reduces the need to fake activity but fosters a more motivated and productive workforce overall.”

More than four in five workers would not be comfortable with webcam monitoring – one in two say it’s a “huge invasion of privacy”

Almost four in ten (39pc) workers would choose a higher-paid job over a job which allowed them to work from home, while more than one in three (35pc) would choose the job that allowed them to work from home. Furthermore, remote working is more important to female workers in Ireland than their male counterparts.

These are some of the findings of a nationwide survey commissioned by employee benefit and pension specialists Lockton Ireland.

The survey, which polled more than 700 workers in Ireland’s labourforce, found that most people (69pc) believe that workers should be entitled to work from home – if their duties can be performed remotely. Less than one in three (31pc) believe it should be up to an employer to decide whether or not an employee can work from home. Women in particular believe workers should have the right to work from home, with more than three in four (76pc) stating this – compared to just over six in ten (63pc) men.

Three in four survey respondents (74pc) said they would not be comfortable turning on their webcam while working from home if requested by their employer to do so – with almost half saying they would refuse to turn such a device on as they would consider it a ‘huge invasion of privacy’.

The Privacy Issue

Commenting on the findings, Ray McKenna, partner with Lockton Ireland, said:

“Our research shows just how important working-from-home (WFH) has become to so many people – and within such a short timeframe too. The WFH trend was the biggest change to hit the world of work in decades, perhaps centuries. It has completely transformed how people work. It allows people to organise their work around their life and work when they’re at their most productive. This in turn should allow people to work alongside the challenges which life throws their way, to work for longer, and to pursue multiple careers if they wish. It will also open up opportunities for people who may have struggled to participate in the workforce before.”

“Despite the strong support for the WFH option, less than one in seven (16pc) people would be prepared to turn on a webcam at the request of their employer – even if failure to do so would prevent them from being able to work from home. It shows just how uncomfortable the thought makes Irish workers. Any employer considering going down this path should be very careful. The issue of webcams has proved to be a contentious one of late – last October, a Dutch court awarded a man €75,000 in compensation after his American employers insisted he kept his webcam turned on throughout the working day.”

Women and Working From Home

The Lockton survey also found that men were more likely to choose a higher-paid office-based job than a lower-paid WFH job – with 44pc of men saying they would opt for the job that paid the higher salary. Just over one in three women (35pc) said they would choose the higher-paid job.

“Almost four in ten female respondents said they would choose workplace flexibility over a higher salary. This is a clear indication of just how instrumental that option could be when it comes to keeping women in the workplace,” said McKenna. “More needs to be done to encourage and facilitate female participation in the labour force. Currently about 60pc of females are in the workplace – compared to 71pc of males.The barriers for female participation in the workplace are well documented. The cost of early childhood education and childcare in Ireland is one of the highest in the EU.

“Traditionally, much of the responsibility for childcare in this country has fallen on women – and while men are playing a more active role today than previous generations did, women still take on much of the childcare. It’s no surprise then that many women take a step back in their careers when they have children and that options such as part-time work are often pursued by females.

Lockton referred to a recent report by the European Commission which found that the number of women participating in the labour force in Ireland has reached a record high due to a shift to remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. McKenna advised,

“To ensure women have equal opportunities in the workplace, it is crucial that employers at least consider the WFH option for all employees, where those jobs can be completed from home. This would also give more men the opportunity to work from home too, should they wish to – which will also help level the gender playing field around childcare and work opportunities”.

Other highlights from the Lockton Ireland’s Workers survey include:

  • More women than men would have no problem with a request to turn on a webcam (30pc versus 21pc) – with those aged 55 and older the more likely age cohort to have no problem with this term of employment (47pc versus 20pc of those aged between 35 and 44).
  • 44pc of people aged 25-34 would opt for the higher salary if they had a choice between a job with a higher salary and a lower-paid WFH job. This compares to 22pc of those in the 35-44 age bracket – perhaps a suggestion that people of this age have young families, so their priorities have changed in terms of what they need from their job, making them more likely to choose the WFH option.

 

Help Your Employees Work Better By Improving These Office Conditions

Are you looking for ways to increase the productivity of your team without having to invest in new technology or tools? You may be able to make a big difference simply by improving the office conditions. In this article, we will explore how making small changes to the office environment can help your employees work better and more efficiently. Read on to find out more!

How Office Conditions Can Affect Productivity

Working in a cluttered, cramped, or otherwise uncomfortable office can make it difficult to stay focused and productive. If your employees are struggling to get work done, it may be time to take a look at your office conditions and see if there are any improvements that can be made.

-Is the space well-lit? Glare from windows or overhead lights can cause eye strain and headaches, making it hard to focus on work. 

-Is the temperature comfortable? Too hot or too cold can make it difficult to concentrate. 

-Is the furniture comfortable and ergonomic? If employees are constantly shifting in their seats or hunched over their desks, they will likely have a harder time staying focused on their work. 

-Is there enough space for everyone to move around comfortably? If people are constantly bumping into each other or tripping over things, it will create a stressful environment that makes it hard to focus.

Technology in the Workplace

Technology has drastically changed the workplace over the last few decades. Computers, the internet, and email have made it possible for employees to be more productive than ever before. Moreover, integrating functional office equipment can significantly enhance the workplace environment. Essential tools like high-quality computers and printers make a significant difference. For instance, opting for a multifunction printer for small businesses, which consolidates printing, scanning, and copying, helps minimize clutter and streamline operations. Strategically placing this versatile device in an easily accessible location not only boosts efficiency but also serves as a gathering point for informal employee interactions during print tasks. 

However, technology can also be a major source of stress in the workplace. If not used properly, it can lead to distractions and interfere with productivity. Various desktop management services can help employers manage and monitor employee computer usage, allowing for greater control over how employees use technology in the workplace. Additionally, employers can provide employees with training on proper computer use, as well as policies that outline the acceptable use of technology. 

Physical Environment Considerations

 

  1. Lighting – Make sure the lighting in your office is adequate and not too harsh. Employees need to be able to see what they’re doing, but too much light can be jarring and make it difficult to concentrate.

 

  1. Temperature – The temperature in your office should be comfortable for everyone. If it’s too hot or too cold, employees will likely be distracted and less productive.

 

  1. Noise level – Minimize noise as much as possible so that employees can focus on their work. This may mean investing in sound-proofing materials or keeping common areas such as kitchens and break rooms quiet during business hours.

Social Environment Considerations

When it comes to improving office conditions to help employees work better, there are a few key social environment considerations to keep in mind. First, take a look at the overall layout of your office space and identify any areas where employees tend to congregate.This could be near the office coffee machine or water cooler, in the break room, or even just in common areas where people can easily strike up a conversation. See if there are any ways to encourage more positive interactions in these areas by adding comfortable seating, encouraging employees to take breaks together, or providing engaging games or activities.

 

Improving office conditions can help employees work better and be more productive. By creating a comfortable workplace environment, providing proper equipment, encouraging collaboration and communication between teams, and offering flexible working arrangements, employers can create an atmosphere that is conducive to productivity. With careful consideration of these factors, employers can ensure their employees are able to do their best work while improving job satisfaction overall.