The latest report reveals UK workers’ challenges in connection due to workload, not remote working.
- Only 26% find virtual connections difficult, contrary to popular belief.
- Volume of work, not location, is the major obstacle in workplace relationships.
- Nearly half of workers need more time for relationship-building amidst heavy workloads.
- Automation is viewed by 74% as enhancing employee connections and productivity.
A recent report commissioned by Sago and published by an enterprise platform reveals insights into the current state of worker connectivity in the UK. Contrary to widespread assumptions, the report indicates that only 26% of UK-based respondents struggle with virtual connections, a signal that remote working is not the primary factor affecting worker relationships.
The crux of the issue lies in the sheer volume of work. Workers emphasize that their inability to foster strong relationships with colleagues is due largely to heavy workloads and limited time during the workday. A significant portion of the workforce, nearly 48%, expressed the need for an additional 30-60 minutes daily to focus on building workplace rapport.
In an era where automation often prompts concerns about job displacement, this report highlights its positive potential. With 87% acknowledging that automation aids in saving time, workers experience considerable relief from manual tasks, freeing them for more meaningful work and collaboration.
Workplace relationships rank high on the priority list, with 46% of respondents placing importance on spending extra time with colleagues. Automation is playing a pivotal role; over 85% of workers believe it both enhances productivity and improves the quality of their work by allowing focus on complex tasks.
A remarkable 74% of respondents agree that automation tools facilitate employee connections by easing the burdens of substantial workloads. These findings underscore a significant opportunity for leaders to invest in technologies that strengthen workplace culture and enhance collaboration.
Stephanie Dwight of Workato underscores the necessity of automation, stating, “Acknowledging automation as a path forward for elevating work, people, and culture is crucial to the success of companies, regardless of industry or size.” This sentiment shows how vital it is for companies to allocate resources into creating a digitally cohesive work environment.
The emphasis on workload over location as a barrier to connectivity underlines the need for strategic investments in automation.
