Businesses are losing billions in productivity costs by not giving workers the right tools

Persone al lavoro in ufficio
(Image credit: 123RF)

A new report has highlighted the stark difference between the tools that workers say they need, and the tools they’re actually given by their employers, and it could be costing US businesses alone up to $6.5 billion each week.

The findings from cloud computing company Domo focused on the productivity and strategic engagement of more than 3,000 workers, and found that many companies had left them unable to perform at their full potential due to a lack of technology and strategic data - a sentiment it calls ‘sleepworking’.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of the participants said that they could get more work done if they had better tech tools, with more than half (58%) claiming that their technology needs have increased in the last five years, likely due to the effects of the pandemic and the increase in hybrid working.

TechRadar Pro needs you!
We want to build a better website for our readers, and we need your help! You can do your bit by filling out our survey and telling us your opinions and views about the tech industry in 2023. It will only take a few minutes and all your answers will be anonymous and confidential. Thank you again for helping us make TechRadar Pro even better.

D. Athow, Managing Editor

Productivity tools for workers

Companies’ lack of investment in the right tools isn’t just costing them lost work, it’s also costing them in staff. Around a quarter of the workers had reported a high turnover in the past year, compared with nearly three-quarters (71%) when the focus was refined to companies that were in need of better tools.

The lack of adequate tools is also costing workers their happiness, according to the findings of the Utah-based company.

“In this economy, organizations of all sizes must optimize every aspect of their business. And while one of the biggest and most strategic investments a business makes is in its people, organizations are not unlocking the full potential of their workforce if employees are ‘sleepworking’," Domo CEO John Mellor explained.

While there clearly lies a challenging year ahead for many, this study highlights the critical need for businesses to refine their worker offerings or risk losing more.

Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

Read more
A stressed employee looking over some graphs
UK workers are spending more than one day per week tracking down information
Three woman sitting at a desk
Bad onboarding is costing businesses billions - here's how you can improve
Group of businesspeople negotiating gathered in modern conference room, blurred silhouettes view, meeting behind closed glass doors. Business communication, workflow, decision-making, strategy sharing
Many workers aren't sure how much their companies are set up to help them be productive
woman sit on couch near laptop take break reduce stress do yoga meditation exercise to calm down self control get rid of negative emotions, bad e-mail, difficult task, problems at work concept
IT industry workers hit badly by burnout, stress - but there's still potential for success
Manager is verifying the validity, security, approving requests, quality assurance, investment contracts. Online digital document work, paperless office. online survey. Checking mark up on check boxes
US businesses are falling behind when it comes to digital transformation
Team collaboration
Can we build closer connections with colleagues in the era of overwork?
Latest in Software & Services
A man sitting at his desk in the evening and using a desktop computer
Office 2021 vs Office 2024: is it time to upgrade?
Microsoft 365 Business app logos
Office 2024 LTSC vs Microsoft 365 Business: what are the differences?
Windows 11 Start menu layout choices: Grid view
Windows 11 vs Linux for business: which operating system should you embrace?
A phone sitting on a laptop keyboard with the Microsoft Outlook logo on the screen.
Gmail vs Outlook for business: which email system is right for your organization?
Windows 11 logo
Windows 11 Pro vs Windows 11 Home: which version is right for you?
Canva HubSpot
HubSpot and Canva team up to level the creative playing field
Latest in News
Jason Sudeikis' Ted Lasso pointing at someone in Ted Lasso season 2
Believe it, baby: Ted Lasso season 4 is officially in development for Apple TV+ – and Jason Sudeikis will reprise his role as the titular soccer coach
Rainbow Six Siege X promotional art.
The Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege X 6v6 mode might finally pull me away from Black Ops 6
A close up of the new web version of Apple Music Classical
Apple Music Classical is now available on the web, but its Mac app is still nowhere in sight
Silent Hill f
Silent Hill f will present players with 'a beautiful yet terrifying choice', and I can't wait to see what it is
Google Chromecast 2
Google is finally rolling out a fix for broken Chromecasts – just as new bugs appear on the Chromecast with Google TV
Garmin Instinct 3 in Neotropic Green
"I'm an idiot": Garmin user reveals how fixing one setting completely changed their training after months of making no progress