An “Anywhere Office” can help solve the UK’s productivity problems

The productivity of people in the UK is nearly a third less than their G7 counterparts: the average German worker now produces nearly a quarter more output per hour than their British peers and a US worker as much as a third more, according to data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.  It’s clear that if we are to sustain the UK’s economic growth, we need to tackle the nation’s productivity problems.

Osborne’s Fixing the Foundations report, designed to focus attention on and investment in the issue, is a step in the right direction. But just last week the Institute for Public Policy Research, called on the government to think more carefully about how its spending can help to boost productivity in retail and hospitality sectors of the economy. Government intervention and investment alone aren’t the answer. Businesses of all sizes need to take simple and immediate steps to help boost the productivity within their organisations.

We spoke to senior managers and employees from businesses to better understand their ways of working.  Our research uncovered a real opportunity for organisations up and down the country to better harness the potential of digital technology to drive increased productivity.

The figures speak for themselves. Over two thirds of British businesses said digital technology has had a positive impact on their productivity and nearly half of senior managers already using it said increases efficiency.  But those taking advantage are in the minority: less than half of Britain’s businesses have integrated digital into their strategy.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about making people work harder or for longer hours.  It’s about giving people the tools they need to work smarter.

So what can your organisation do? The answer lies in adopting an “Anywhere Office”.

Allow your people to work flexibly – in terms of both time and location. It’s not just a faddy trend; it can have a real impact on the bottom line. In fact, we found over two thirds of senior managers in large businesses think breaking the nine to five work pattern has helped their company achieve greater business success.

In practical terms, it means giving employees smartphones or tablets so they can work in a way that suits them, and to save time in their working week. So for example, parents can work from home around child care commitments or helping commuters to make the most of their journey into work, reducing extra time spent at their desks. It might sound simple but it can drive efficiency, staff satisfaction and client service.

Embrace a collaborative culture.  Armed with the right equipment colleagues can work collaboratively, regardless of location.  Two thirds of the businesses we spoke to are using white boarding portals, idea sharing forums, instant messaging and video conferencing because it leads to greater business efficiency and improved sharing of resources.

The opportunity is clear: digital technology can power savings worth 6.6million hours and £1.6 billion a week – that’s among businesses alone.  Regardless of the size or sector of your business, now is the time to harness the digital technology at your fingertips to boost productivity – not just for the benefit of your business but to help sustain economic growth.


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Ben Dowd

Ben Dowd is one of O2’s longest standing directors. Ben has been instrumental in moving the business from solely mobile into the ICT space. His responsibility covers all of the business area and includes SOHO, Small businesses, and Corporate, as well as multinational customers.
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Ben Dowd is one of O2’s longest standing directors. Ben has been instrumental in moving the business from solely mobile into the ICT space. His responsibility covers all of the business area and includes SOHO, Small businesses, and Corporate, as well as multinational customers.