A nation of procrastination: How we waste time at work
by Startacus Admin
At work, boredom is more than likely to set in. It could be while doing a repetitive task, when there’s nothing immediate to do or if the end of the day is approaching and the temptation to mess around becomes all too hard to resist. Irrespective of the circumstances, many of us end up wasting a little time in the office, but how do we do it?
Time-wasting comes in many forms. It could involve doing menial tasks such as tidying desks, talking to colleagues about something not related to work or taking a lot longer than necessary in doing certain things like eating lunch or going to wash our hands. Even when things might seem a little slow at work, time is still seen as a precious commodity by many business leaders.
The go-slow
A survey conducted by Ecigarettedirect into the effects of time-wasting in the office found that an astonishing 83% of respondents had spent time at work rearranging the paperwork on their desks. Furthermore, 79% owned up to having tidied up their email inbox in order to pass the time, while 79% said they spent a little extra time in the toilets to speed the day up.
Slow working days are commonplace, but is time-wasting acceptable? In the vast majority of cases, the answer is no, but working non-stop can be draining, especially by Friday afternoon. Having time to waste could be as a result of working efficiently at the start of the week. This is something many businesspeople including James Caan, the former Dragons’ Den star, swears by.
Spending spare time doing something useful could be the answer, but as Caan stresses, using it efficiently is a must. This could mean putting a few spare minutes towards something like research or preparing for a big upcoming task instead of procrastinating in front of the desk.
If you like what you see here on Startacus, why not become a member of our growing community? It's free! And you'll get all this - exclusive access to our Business Toolkit, discounts and offers galore for your business via our member only business deals, the chance to network and connect with loads of fellow self-starters, and maybe even become our celebrated 'Self-Starter of the Week' and tell the world your startup tale! Join right here for free...
Subscribe to our newsletter
If you would like to receive our startup themed newsletter, full of the latest startup opportunities, events, news, stories, tips and advice, then sign up here.
The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab is on the hunt for companies harnessing data science, machine learning and AI techniques to create real products and solutions.
Eppik is a smart family photo sharing platform that helps families reconnect through their shared photo heritage
New targets set by 30% Club aimed at achieving both gender diversity and fully inclusive cultures on FTSE Boards, Executive Committees and Chair Appointments
Xero’s Roadmap to Recovery manifesto launched as new data confirms impact of COVID-19 on UK small business revenue and employment
In this article, we’ll be exploring how new users can build their first Magento store and drive it towards online dominance.
BOOP, an innovative software education platform for children with special education needs, gains COVID-19 response funding of £50k via Innovate UK
Here are some easy-to-overlook ways to slash the usual cost of sourcing a corporate car for your business.
The shortlist for this year’s Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge, a global annual sustainability competition is out, with 7 of the 25 shortlisted from the UK
Post Covid, these could be some of the shared economy trends that businesses will be looking to capitalise on in the coming weeks and months.
Launch of new fund by Innvotec aimed at investing in UK female founded or co-founded enterprises whilst also encouraging more women to invest in startups
Published on: 2nd July 2014
.png)
If you would like to enable commenting via your Startacus account, please enable Disqus functionality in your Account Settings.
- GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab seeks startups harnessing data science, machine learning and AI 2nd Jul 2020 The GCHQ Innovation Co-Lab is on the hunt for companies harnessing data science, machine learning and AI techniques to create real products and solutions.
- Ten Years On: 30% Club Sets New Targets 1st Jul 2020 New targets set by 30% Club aimed at achieving both gender diversity and fully inclusive cultures on FTSE Boards, Executive Committees and Chair Appointments
- Xero’s Roadmap to Recovery manifesto launched 1st Jul 2020 Xero’s Roadmap to Recovery manifesto launched as new data confirms impact of COVID-19 on UK small business revenue and employment
- 7 British startups shortlisted for Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge 30th Jun 2020 The shortlist for this year’s Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge, a global annual sustainability competition is out, with 7 of the 25 shortlisted from the UK
