How slow broadband speeds are affecting productivity in new study, as one in four experience slower internet

Analysts at YESSS Electrical have revealed how internet connectivity affects our abilities to work and how this can change our productivity levels. 

The research discovered that 28.09% of those surveyed couldn’t work at all without internet connection, relying heavily on the internet for their role. 42.97% of those surveyed said they couldn’t even complete half a day’s work without the internet. The internet is now integral to many roles, ranging from web developers, to engineers in the field searching for part numbers.

One in four people (26.7%) said they have experienced even slower internet speeds in the past year, with WiFi still struggling to keep up with demand. 

One in nine people struggling with weak broadband have lost important work documents, and 15.9% of people have experienced programmes essential to work crashing or not loading at all.

19.9% of respondents experienced issues connecting to video calls, inhibiting communications with colleagues.

5% of people surveyed said they could only work for around 30 minutes without internet, while 6% of those surveyed said they could work for an hour or two. Only 7% of people said they could manage a day’s work without the internet. 

Analysts then looked into the different tasks people complete on a daily basis, comparing the speed of activities with a weak broadband connection versus a strong connection. Overall, loading times took 49.9% longer with a weak WiFi connection. 

The average time for communications based activities increased by 86.2% with slow broadband. 

However, simpler tasks such as sending a text email only saw a 21.6% increase in time with one-bar network strength, compared to three-bar WiFi.

The research found that even simpler tasks can be impacted by a weak WiFi connection, but those that are much more intensive are affected even more. Slow and weak broadband connections are more likely to impact those taking on more intensive and comms based tasks on a daily basis.

Mark Nolan, spokesperson for YESSS Electrical: “As the digital economy grows across the globe and more people work remotely, a strong internet connection is becoming more vital to many roles.

“However, this study has revealed that limitations in internet infrastructure are restricting a seamless move to remote and hybrid work.

“If you’re struggling to connect to your broadband, try a WiFi booster, connect via ethernet cable, or switch providers.

“And if you’re looking to permanently relocate and work remotely, prioritising areas of the country with better connectivity will aid this move. You can check speeds, latency, and coverage through maps provided by various broadband comparison websites.”