As the number of UK residents working from home increases, the impact of poor internet connectivity becomes more evident, both financially and in terms of wellbeing and productivity. It’s not just about the financial loss; the hidden costs in stress, productivity, and personal time are also significant.
Recent data from a Uswitch.com survey reveals that UK employees working remotely lose up to an entire day each year due to unreliable internet, costing the economy an estimated £598 million.
However, the implications extend beyond monetary value. Over half (52%) of the employees expressed increased stress due to slow internet, affecting both their mental health and productivity.
The Impact of Inconsistent Internet
| Consequences of Poor Internet | Employees Affected (%) |
|---|---|
| Increased Stress | 52% |
| Reduced Productivity | 44% |
| Disrupted Team Meetings | 37% |
| Delayed Project Deadlines | 21% |
| Behind on To-Do List | 33% |
The older generation seems to be particularly affected, with over 55s losing up to 12 hours annually due to slow internet. This could be attributed to less support from their employers in improving their internet speed compared to their younger counterparts.
Geographically, the impact varies. Welsh remote workers lose 15 hours, doubling the lost time compared to their English counterparts.
Interestingly, the report shows that 42% of remote workers have invested in upgrading their internet connection to improve their work-from-home experience. This reflects a growing awareness of the importance of robust internet connectivity for effective remote working.
Tips for Improving Your Connection
Slow internet connection not only disrupts work but can also be a source of frustration. Here are a few tips to improve your Wi-Fi speed:
- Streamline your computer: Close any unnecessary programmes to enhance speed.
- Adjust your router set-up: Place your router in a central, open area of your home.
- Plug in: An ethernet cable can offer a more reliable connection.
If these tips don’t help, consider running a broadband speed test. If your speed is consistently lower than what your provider promised, it might be time for a change.
Switch to a Reliable Connection
At Country Connect, we are committed to providing a reliable, fast internet connection to support your work-from-home needs. Check your availability for Country Connect Full Fibre network here and join the revolution towards better, more reliable internet connectivity.
Check local availability here
[Source: Uswitch.com survey data, 2023]