New research from TeamViewer, a global leader in digital workplace solutions, shows that dysfunctional technology is quietly draining productivity, performance, and even employee morale across industries.
According to the study, employees lose an average of 1.3 days per month due to “digital friction”—routine technology breakdowns that hinder workflow. Nearly 80% of employees report losing productive time each month because of inefficient systems, software glitches, or IT slowdowns.
The business implications are significant. 42% of respondents say digital friction has led to revenue loss, while 69% believe it has contributed to employee turnover. Frustration with technology also affects engagement: 47% report lower job satisfaction, and 28% have considered quitting due to technology challenges.
The findings come from TeamViewer’s report, “The Impact of Digital Friction: Understanding How Dysfunctional Technology Drains Productivity, Performance & People,” which surveyed 4,200 employees and managers across nine countries and multiple industries.
“Technology sits at the core of every modern organization,” said Oliver Steil, CEO of TeamViewer. “When it underperforms, the cost is immediate—in efficiency, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness. IT issues may go unnoticed, but their financial and human impact is very real.”
AI as a productivity solution
The study also reveals optimism about the role of AI in reducing digital friction. Nearly half of respondents (48%) believe AI could help streamline workplace technology, while 50% are open to AI handling routine IT tasks such as troubleshooting and password resets.
“Technology should empower people, not hold them back,” said Andrew Hewitt, VP of Strategic Technology at TeamViewer. “Reducing digital friction can dramatically improve both performance and morale. AI-powered workplace solutions give employees back valuable time, remove barriers, and create a smoother, more rewarding work experience.”
As organizations grapple with tighter margins, labor challenges, and heightened productivity demands, reducing digital friction—and leveraging AI to do so—emerges as a critical priority. For businesses willing to invest in smarter, AI-driven solutions, the payoff is clear: more engaged employees, improved efficiency, and a measurable impact on the bottom line.
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