Abstract

This study explored the relationship between self-reported mobile phone for personal use during working hours and employee productivity in the workplace by different age groups. Eighty-five people participated in an online survey at a regional campus of a major university. A small percentage of participants (12%) indicated that they had jobs that required the use of a smartphone. Duration and frequency of mobile phone use was examined in the context of respondent’s age and self-perceived employee productivity. While smartphone use has the potential to improve workplace productivity, significant time is expended during working hours for personal use of such devices.

Keywords: Mobile phone use; Workplace productivity; Age differences in technology use; Age groups; Smartphone personal use; Social media