Scrolling on social media, checking
messages, daydreaming and other distractions are costing the UK economy a staggering
£19.9 billion each year, new research has revealed.
The report, “The Distracted Economy:
We are losing focus - how to hold attention and keep delegates engaged during
business meetings and events” commissioned by The QEII Centre, shows that 83 per cent of people admit to being distracted during
in-person meetings while the number rises to 85 per cent during online meetings.
And while the nation’s dwindling
focus is harming productivity and profitability, it is also something that’s
worrying individuals. Over a third (38%) of workers claimed to be concerned
about their ability to be fully focused during meetings or events, according to
the findings.
The survey of 1,000 UK desk-based
workers who attend both online and in-person meetings was carried out by to better understand – and tackle – the growing concern of
distraction.
The report takes a deep dive into
the issue to better understand the challenges faced by delegates in their
battle to stay focused.
Among the key findings are:
- The crisis of attention: The
research found that distraction during online meetings costs the UK economy
more (£11.1 billion) than in-person meetings (£8.8 billion).
At work, over a third of people (38%) are concerned about their ability to be
fully focused and fully concentrating during business meetings or events, and
in everyday life, 43% admit to often being easily distracted during their
leisure time.
- Working in a post-pandemic age: Over
two-thirds (36%) of respondents believe that their work colleagues have become
more easily distracted during in-person business meetings and events.
- Distracted economy: It
is alarming to see that a significant majority - 83% - of respondents openly
admit to losing focus during in-person meetings, and 85% during online
meetings.
Senior management is not immune to distractions, with 40% of them admitting to
being distracted for a third of the meeting.
- Preference for In-Person Meetings:
The study revealed that the majority of respondents (49%) prefer in-person
meetings over online alternatives whenever possible.
More than half of the respondents (52%) agreed that productivity is higher when
everyone attends in-person meetings compared to online meetings.
To understand how to move forward
and help the event industry, event planner expert Simon Hughes adds some
valuable first-hand insights and guidance throughout the report.
Simon explains: “This report is
essential for event planners and venues. By analysing what distracts delegates,
we can plan how to cope with the competing demands for attention. It also
showcases that we are sociable animals that need to collaborate in person to
boost engagement and productivity. Despite the number of people who enjoy remote
working, the preferred meeting format is in person over online. This is really
good news for venues – but they will have to offer more flexibility with their
spaces, formats and tools to capture attention.”
Mark Taylor, chief executive at The
QEII Centre, said: “In this increasingly distracted world, we thought it was
crucial to understand the causes behind the deficit in attention span and what
can be done about it. Something has to change. From being distracted by digital
tools to boredom and multi-tasking, the findings reveal the reasons behind the
distraction and help us understand the need for more engaging interactions.
With this report, we hope to help professionals in the event industry to collaborate
impactfully and meet the ever-changing delegate’s needs of the future.”
The decline of attention span is a
growing concern, but with this comprehensive research, The QEII Centre provides
an insightful guide for professionals to develop strategies to promote
sustained focus and concentration and increase productivity and collaboration
during meetings and events.
To download the report, click here.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
