Research conducted by leading London conference and events venue, The QEII Centre, has found that the economic value of distraction during meetings and events has risen to an estimated £20.7 billion.
Based on a survey of over 1,000 UK desk-based workers, the research builds on findings from The QEII Centre’s inaugural 2023 Distracted Economy report. It reveals that the cost of distraction in online and face-to-face meetings and events has increased from £19.9 billion in 2023 to £20.7 billion.
In The QEII Centre’s new Distracted Economy report, 80% of desk-based workers admit to losing concentration during meetings. 55% are more likely to be distracted in online meetings compared to 16% for in-person meetings and 27% who find both equally distracting.
The report also finds that senior managers are not immune, with 17% of senior managers and owners losing focus for half or more of in-person meetings compared to 10% of mid or junior managers.
Against these challenges, the report offers tangible solutions to help event planners and venues tackle the issue.
Mark Taylor, Chief Executive, The QEII Centre, said: “As one of the UK’s leading conference and events venues, holding over 400 events each year, we understand the shifting meetings and events landscape, as well as the hugely important role that venues and event planners play in creating engaging and productive meeting experiences.
“It is our hope that these findings inspire event planners and venues to create exceptional experiences and design meetings and events that engage delegates, enhance productivity and achieve business goals.”
Distracted Economy – the highlights:
· 8 in 10 desk-based workers lose concentration in meetings for some of the time
· 24% is the average proportion of time people are distracted during in-person meetings
· 17% of senior managers and owners lose focus or concentration for half or more of in-person meetings compared to 10% of mid or junior managers
· 55% of people are more likely to be distracted in an online meeting, vs 16% in an in-person meeting and 27% who find both equally distracting
· The top three causes of distraction are boredom (25%), tiredness (24%), and having a busy mind (23%)
· 56% of respondents expect to attend more in-person events in 2025 than they did in 2019
To download a copy of the Distracted Economy report, please click here.
