Is it time for a culture change in Sheffield’s workplaces? The steel city has been named the UK’s third least productive place as a result of sluggish, tired and unmotivated workers struggling to get to grips with work after the festive period.
The figures released by Hitachi Capital Invoice Finance revealed that Sheffield was found to be the third least productive city in January, with 30% of residents reporting to feel sluggish and placing just behind Cardiff at 34% and Southampton at 31%.
Further Sheffield stats revealed that:
- 82% of Sheffield workers need their smartphones on them for the whole working day
- 81% think that their managers aren’t strict enough
- 79% say they actively look for ways to make the day go quicker, whilst working less
- 78% are unhappy in their job
- 40% said their job satisfaction would increase if they were offered an annual bonus
- After January, December was the least productive month
In contrast to Sheffield, Birmingham’s business community was found to be the most productive with 19% of workers reporting lower energy levels, followed by Manchester (20%) and Bristol (21%).
On the whole, the main things reported to be distractions at work by workers were: gossiping with co-workers (61% reported) followed by using personal sites like Facebook and emails (45%) and clockwatching (35%).
Further procrastination techniques included: making hot drinks (29%), using shopping and banking apps (25%), looking for other jobs (19%) and taking unnecessary toilet breaks (17%).
Rob Shaw, Managing Director at Glu Recruit said: “It’s clear that people in Sheffield are feeling lack-lustre after the Christmas break.
“It’s times like these that employers should look to introducing productivity incentives, or morale boosting activities like away days or team building sessions.
“For employees, looking after your own wellbeing and mental health is also important to stave off those January blues.
“If you’re really struggling to drum up some motivation though, January is the perfect time to consider a new role. If you’re dreaming of greener pastures, give us a ring- we can help!”