The Hidden Cost of Digital Inefficiency – Boosting Workplace Productivity
01/03/2025
In today’s digital workplace, employees spend more time than ever using computers, yet studies reveal that poor digital skills and inefficient technology use result in significant productivity losses. A study by Van Deursen & Van Dijk (2012) found that the average employee loses almost 10% of their productive time due to inefficient IT use and system-related issues.
Research also highlights that technology investments alone do not guarantee productivity improvements. A study from the University of Nebraska (Smith, 2008) found that while IT can enhance productivity, its true value is realised only when combined with proper training and process optimisation. Without these, employees continue to struggle with inefficient workflows, leading to missed opportunities, increased frustration, and unnecessary delays.
How Digital Inefficiency Disrupts Workplace Productivity
Without structured training, employees waste valuable time on avoidable tasks, leading to frustration and reduced job satisfaction. Studies show that workers who receive structured training in digital skills can regain more than 30 minutes of productive time per day, allowing them to complete tasks more efficiently, reduce errors, and work with greater confidence.
One of the most overlooked aspects of digital inefficiency is the reliance on informal learning. Research shows that most employees develop IT skills on their own or rely on colleagues, which is time-consuming, inconsistent, and often ineffective. Instead of structured, targeted training, many organisations depend on peer learning, which inadvertently leads to further productivity losses. Every minute spent helping a colleague solve an IT issue is time taken away from core responsibilities.
Beyond saving time, improving digital literacy positively impacts overall workplace well-being. Employees who struggle with technology often experience higher stress levels, workplace frustration, and burnout, particularly when they feel unsupported in improving their skills. A lack of digital confidence can also contribute to job dissatisfaction and decreased motivation, affecting overall team morale.
On the other hand, when employees are equipped with the right tools and training, they report increased efficiency, improved job satisfaction, and a greater sense of control over their workloads. Businesses benefit as well, with improved collaboration, reduced bottlenecks, and enhanced overall performance.
The Long-Term Consequences of Poor Digital Skills
One striking insight from research is that lower-skilled employees face the greatest productivity losses. Those in lower-tier positions, such as clerical and administrative roles, lose up to 10% of their working time due to inadequate IT skills, compared to around 7% for middle-management professionals. This highlights a major gap in digital skills training, where employees who would benefit the most from upskilling are often overlooked.
Another critical factor is the role of IT support. Many employees hesitate to contact IT helpdesks for minor technical issues, instead relying on colleagues or attempting to fix problems themselves. However, IT support staff report that a significant percentage of the issues they handle stem from a basic lack of digital literacy rather than actual system malfunctions. This reinforces the idea that many IT-related delays could be prevented with better training.
Research also suggests that companies investing in technology without simultaneously improving business processes severely limit productivity gains. IT can streamline work, but if employees are not trained to use it effectively, inefficiencies persist. This is why combining IT investments with structured employee training leads to the highest returns.
Investing in Technology Proficiency for a More Productive Workforce
Ensuring that employees have the right skills to navigate digital tools efficiently should be a priority for any organisation looking to improve productivity. Training in automation tools, smart file management, AI-driven solutions, and workflow optimisation can lead to significant time savings and a smoother work experience for employees at all levels. Furthermore, prioritising digital literacy fosters a positive work environment, where employees feel empowered rather than frustrated by the tools they use daily. Whether in administrative roles, management, or technical positions, knowing how to work smarter with digital resources makes a measurable difference—not just in time saved, but in overall job satisfaction and workplace efficiency.
By recognising the hidden costs of digital inefficiency and taking steps to enhance employee skills, businesses can improve performance, reduce frustration, and create a more resilient, future-ready workforce. Investing in digital literacy not only saves time and enhances productivity but also empowers employees, fostering a more engaged, confident, and motivated team.
Organisations looking to address these challenges can benefit from structured productivity training, such as the Novus Core Productivity Course, which provides practical, research-backed strategies to help employees work smarter, not harder. Additionally, businesses can take advantage of funding opportunities, such as the Investing in Skills scheme from JobsPlus, which can partially cover training costs, making it even more accessible.
By equipping teams with the right digital skills, businesses can unlock greater efficiency, drive innovation, and build a workplace that thrives in the ever-evolving digital landscape.