Small and medium-sized enterprise owners (SMEs) are proficient at
using technology, but unable to switch off in their personal lives,
according to research from business insurer Hiscox.
The research was conducted between 28 November and 6 December 2012
and surveyed 1,030 businesses. It suggests that 89% of SMEs have
mastered the use of technology, but are slaves to smartphones. The
research also suggests that 38% of SME owners have difficulty switching
off and 37% find working off duty hours intrusive upon their personal
lives.
The online survey by Opinium reviewed how businesses are using
technology and how although they are using it better to manage their
businesses; they are not able to control the impact that it has on their
personal lives. 85% of respondents admitted to checking their work
emails while on holiday.
"Our research confirms what we already know from working closely with
them; SMEs are constantly connected to their workplace, incredibly tech
savvy and committed to their business," explains Alan Thomas, small
business insurance expert at Hiscox.
Interestingly, 59% of survey respondents plan to either purchase new
equipment or upgrade existing equipment as an investment in technology
in the near future (61% keep up-to-update with technology). From these
technology investors, 35% plan to do so in the next 12 months compared
with 25 percent who plan to do so in the next two-three years. 10% of
SMEs were found to relish new technology and generally upgrade equipment
as soon as it becomes available.
"As SMEs seek to keep their business running at all times, the option
to clock off at 5pm is fast diminishing and being 'switched on' is
becoming a normal way of life. Thanks to the reliance on and access to
technology, SMEs have become masters of technology but slaves to their
work, and it's no surprise they are leading a lifestyle where they are
'always on'," added Thomas.
Given that SMEs are closer and influence the day-to-day management of
their businesses on a more intimate level, it’s no surprise these
factors have such an impact for them. This can be compounded when SMEs
are home workers when it is thought that temptation to be distracted
often turns out to be the opposite.
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