Web conferencing tools like Google Meet and Zoom have certainly helped to bridge the gap, but Streamable’s latest stats suggest employees want more than web conferencing on their screens. According to their recent survey, 95% of people stream content while working from home, and a staggering 85% reported moderate to high job satisfaction because of it – with 45% claiming it helped improve their overall focus, and 69% reporting that it also made their work more enjoyable. So, what does that mean for productivity? Let’s dive into the statistics. But how much is streaming really a problem? The survey revealed that while 97% of managers believe streaming content at work negatively impacts employees’ productivity, only 8% of streamers rated their work productivity as low – and they may have a point. According to a study by Standford University over a 9 month period, working from home increased productivity by 13% due to fewer breaks, less sick days, and more calls per minute due to a quieter, more convenient working environment. In the same study, workers reported improved work satisfaction, and attrition rates were cut by 50% making a convincing argument that having control over your working environment could positively impact productivity – whether streaming or not. So, should employees be punished if they’re caught streaming, or should businesses take a more lenient approach?
Improved retentionMore inclusivityStaff flexibilityFewer sick daysIncreased talent poolImproved job satisfactionBetter work life balanceBusiness cost saving
Of course, businesses with offices will need to factor in their overheads, but studies suggest being more flexible could help increase your talent pool and improve your staff retention. Of those who took part in the new study, 29% reported that the content they streamed was educational, and 15% streamed podcasts, which could arguably be work-related. However, the same study also revealed that 50% streamed movies, and 38% live TV. Still, given that 69% of people reported the reason they streamed while working was because it made work more enjoyable, and knowing that people work harder when happy, maybe streaming while working isn’t such a bad thing, as long as work still gets done. Investing in web conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom will allow your team to collaborate in real-time, more effectively – with screen time that is directly linked to their output and productivity. Project management tools and other productivity-enhancing programs will also help to ensure your employees are managing their time well, and are engaged with the whole team, from any location.
