A recent study refutes the notion that remote working is the main cause of workforce disconnection among UK workers.
- A significant 74% of UK employees recognise automation tools as a means to enhance workplace connections.
- Findings show that time constraints, rather than location, hinder the formation of strong workplace relationships.
- Only 26% of workers report difficulty connecting virtually, pointing to workload as the true barrier.
- Nearly half of the surveyed workers express a desire for more time to engage with colleagues.
In light of ongoing discussions about the ‘return to the office’ movement, new insights indicate that remote and hybrid working models are not to blame for the perceived disconnection among UK employees. “Automate to Elevate,” a study commissioned by Sago, unveils that location plays a minimal role in workplace disconnection. Instead, the overwhelming workload stands as the primary obstacle to relationship-building within the workplace. The study reveals that only 26% of UK respondents find it challenging to connect with colleagues virtually, and a mere 23% cite being out of office as a hindrance to collaboration.
The research points to time, or rather the lack of it, as a significant factor preventing employees from fostering strong connections with peers. Almost half of those surveyed express a need for an additional 30-60 minutes each day dedicated to nurturing relationships at work. Despite these constraints, the study highlights the potential of automation tools to free up employees’ time, enabling them to focus more on building meaningful connections. An impressive 74% of participants agree that automation can play a pivotal role in enhancing workplace interactions.
Stephanie Dwight, Vice President of Automation and Applications at Workato, underscores the importance of providing the right tools to empower employees. She affirms, “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 is echoed by the study’s findings, which indicate that 87% of respondents believe automation saves them significant amounts of time, allowing more focus on critical, complex tasks.
Furthermore, the study sheds light on the dual benefits of automation tools, which not only bolster productivity but also improve the quality of work. A noteworthy 86% of respondents perceive automation as a vital component in freeing time for intricate work, while 85% attribute improvements in productivity to these tools. This aligns with the view that productivity and quality of work are interlinked, with both benefiting from automation technologies.
The insights gathered from the survey, which included 1,000 full-time employed professionals from both the UK and the US, demonstrate a growing recognition of the role of automation in fostering a more connected and efficient workplace. The sample included representatives from diverse levels within large enterprises, further affirming the widespread applicability of these findings.
Automation, rather than remote work constraints, appears integral in bridging the connection gap among workers.
