Hybrid Workers Urge Employers to Boost Investment in Connectivity

Lack of reliable mobile connectivity in the office is affecting seven in ten hybrid workers, forcing a majority of employees to leave the office building to make phone calls, survey reveals.

A survey commissioned by Cellnex UK, found that office buildings are a significant barrier to quality mobile services for workers.

Over half (55 per cent) of respondents reported better mobile connection at home than in the office.

The findings indicated that the weakest mobile signal areas at work are office stairwells, meeting rooms and communal spaces such as break out rooms.

Crucially, 86 per cent of respondents believe reliable mobile connectivity is crucial for job performance. In fact poor mobile connectivity would prevent 68 per cent of hybrid workers from coming into the office, and 40 per cent have considered changing jobs due to persistent mobile connectivity issues.

A lack of reliable mobile connectivity in the office affects 70 per cent of hybrid workers, forcing 60 per cent to leave the office building to make phone calls.

The top connectivity issues faced were slow internet speeds (40 per cent), weak mobile network signals (39 per cent), and areas in the office with poor or no mobile coverage (36 per cent).

27 per cent of those experiencing connectivity issues faced them an average of two to three days per week.

Sachin Agrawal, Managing Director, Zoho UK commented: “Investment in mobile and broadband connectivity is crucial for businesses to operate effectively and ensure staff can stay connected. This also means ensuring building infrastructure is fit for purpose to support it. By improving connectivity across the UK in cities and rural areas businesses can ensure employees have the means to drive up productivity and achieve their goals."

"Good connectivity throughout the UK also gives businesses more options when it comes to office locations, giving the freedom to reduce overheads and move away from busy urban centres. This also contributes to the distribution of economic wealth throughout the country and helps to retain talent in the regions.”

“Employee experience (EX) is critical to business success. Technology plays a crucial role in creating a seamless EX, whether staff are at home or in the office. It is important to provide tools that both enable real-time communication and collaboration. These allow team members to simultaneously work efficiently on tasks, and keep staff continuously connected, regardless of location. Unified collaboration tools enable real-time communication to enable staff to stay connected and work simultaneously on tasks, maintaining productivity and motivation, which translates to business growth." 

"88% of UK businesses responding in our Digital Health Study cite the importance of digital tools and technology in enhancing EX. However, if employees are not able to use them, it simply causes frustration and reduces opportunity. Reliable connectivity is no longer just a benefit - it is a critical factor in determining business success.”

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance comments: “While rural connectivity is an issue for businesses, it’s also a massive barrier for millions across the country who are being digitally excluded due to a lack of internet connection. With an increasing number of essential services moving online, booking an urgent healthcare appointment, online banking and applying for a job are all tasks many of us take for granted that those without connectivity and the necessary skills simply can’t do.”

“It’s up to the incoming government to ramp up investment and rollout policies for connectivity infrastructure across the UK. It’s not just for convenience, it’s to ensure millions aren’t left behind as essential service continue to move online."