A recent survey found that distractions caused by individual digital devices in the workplace have a detrimental effect on productivity.

The nationwide poll of more than a thousand employees this spring was conducted by Screen Education, EMI Research Solutions, and Stark Statistical Consulting.

The researchers say digital distraction is a serious problem that kills productivity, compromises customer support quality, and puts the organization at risk for serious accidents in industrial settings.

Employees almost unanimously agreed digital distraction reduces productivity at their workplace This reduction in productivity takes numerous forms – missed deadlines, ignored customers, failure to complete a task altogether or mistakes that require work be redone.

The survey also indicates that a strong majority of employees want their employer to address workplace digital distraction and impose restrictions on the use of non-work digital content by their co-workers during work.

Social media is by far the greatest digital distraction, while games, shopping and streaming video play a relatively minor role, the study found

Some respondents say their employers already have
digital distraction policies in place. Many also say their employers have terminated employees for violating their digital distraction policies. However, a significant number also say their employers don’t effectively enforce their digital policies.

A strong majority of employees are willing to have their employers place an app on their phones restricting use of digital content during work hours. Many say they would gladly use such an app, which suggests they welcome assistance in conquering their digital distraction, the researchers say.