Dissatisfied Workers Cost Frontline Businesses approx. $USD 196 Billion* a year in Lost Productivity

Outdated and unfit tools & IT systems are causing a productivity roadblock

Despite hype - and fear-mongering - around new technologies, most workers appear unfazed by their potential impact. Only 34% of those with concerns about the future cite emerging technologies, such as AI, as one of them. In last year's Feedback from the Field report, 40% of respondents ranked AI among their top three concerns, potentially suggesting growing familiarity or comfort with the technology over the past year.

While workers aren't expressing much concern about new technologies, they are frustrated by outdated tools that hinder their efficiency. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of workers are not fully satisfied with their current tools and IT systems. Of these, more than one-third (36%) are dissatisfied with outdated tools and systems, 31% with tools that are unfit for purpose, and 29% with insufficient training on how to use them.

Ineffective tools and IT systems not only frustrate workers but also reduce productivity by slowing processes and causing unnecessary downtime. On average, workers lose almost 6 hours a month due to the impacts of ineffective tools and IT systems. This inefficiency costs frontline businesses worldwide a staggering estimated $USD 162 billion ³ annually.

"Workers are only as effective as their tools. That's why we've gathered insights from the frontline at every step of developing the SafetyCulture platform, helping us build an accessible, mobile-first platform that, above all else, meets worker's true needs.

"These tools give onsite teams the knowledge, tools, and confidence to work safely, meet higher standards, and improve every day. It's the power of improvement in their hands."

A brain drain looms due to skills shortages

Outside of the workplace, macro conditions are also weighing on workers' minds. Nearly three in five (57%) workers believe their industry will suffer a brain drain in the future, and 71% of workers believe that skills and labor shortages will present critical issues in their industry. Nearly one-third (31%) of these workers say these shortages are already presenting critical issues, and an additional 39% believe these problems will occur within just three years.

"Workers across the globe are experiencing a huge amount of change. Rising living costs, shrinking skills pipelines and new technologies like AI, just to name a few, are demanding transformation. Even though this time is filled with uncertainty, it's ripe with opportunity to build organizations that don't just survive, but thrive in the future," Byrnes concludes.

For more information and to download the full report, visithttps://safetyculture.com/feedback-from-the-field-time-for-change/

Ends

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* The cost of dissatisfaction to business

This figure was calculated by YouGov based on the average local weekly wage, estimated average hours lost to effects of dissatisfaction as reported by survey respondents, and the estimated number of workers in frontline industries.

Local wage estimates were sourced from national statistical agencies, and the number of worker estimates were sourced from YouGov Profiles.

² Emergence (2020). The State of Technology for the Deskless Workforce.

³ The cost of ineffective tools and IT systems to business

This figure was calculated by YouGov based on the average local weekly wage, estimated average hours lost to ineffective tools and IT systems as reported by survey respondents, and the estimated number of workers in frontline industries.

Local wage estimates were sourced from national statistical agencies and the number of workers estimates were sourced from YouGov Profiles.

About the research

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 10,128 adults (N = 2023 UK, 2087 US, 2010 Australia, 2003 Germany, 1504 France, 501 Ireland). Fieldwork was undertaken between 31 July - 14 August 2024. The survey was carried out online. The sample comprised workers aged 18+ (full or part-time) in construction, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, distribution/logistics/supply/transport and energy/mining/resources businesses (excluding sole traders).

About SafetyCulture

SafetyCulture is a global technology company that helps frontline teams find a better way of working. Its mobile-first workplace operations platform gives teams the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to meet higher standards, work safely and improve every day.The SafetyCulture platform powers over a billion checks each year, delivers approximately 85,000 lessons per day and informs millions of corrective actions. SafetyCulture gives leaders visibility and workers a voice in driving safety, quality, and efficiency improvements.

An analysis byForrester found that SafetyCulture's flagship products provide a 214% return on investment for customers and $3.6M in cost savings from operational improvements. Customers of SafetyCulture's award-winning products include the likes of Coles, Marriott, Toyota and the United Nations.