View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Networks
April 22, 2015

How are emails and spreadsheets eating up productive time of managers

ServiceNow says the problem can be addressed with automation.

By CBR Staff Writer

Corporate managers are spending more time on unproductive administrative tasks than on strategic initiatives and other requirements.

Nine in 10 of 1,000 managers surveyed in the US and the UK were found to spend time on administrative tasks such as providing status updates, filling out forms, requesting support and updating spreadsheets, which are outside their core job function.

According to the report, "Today’s State of Work: The Productivity Drain," more than 80% of those surveyed rely primarily on inefficient, manual tools such as email, telephone calls and personal visits to get work done.

More than 30% of survey respondents said it takes over 10 individual interactions like emails, phone calls or personal visits to be ready for a new employee’s first day.

ServiceNow conducted the research and chief strategy officer Dave Wright said: "Email was never intended to run a company’s business processes.

"It is a communication vehicle that has been bastardized to fill a gap that exists in the systems permeated throughout the enterprise."

Of those surveyed, 75% said work processes and systems should work more like those they experience as consumers.

Content from our partners
The hidden complexities of deploying AI in your business
When it comes to AI, remember not every problem is a nail
An evolving cybersecurity landscape calls for multi-layered defence strategies

ServiceNow said organisations can overcome the issues through automation and adoption of service management software and practices, which can replace emails, phone calls and spreadsheets with automated workflows.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU