Workaholic bosses addicted to their smartphones

More than 90 per cent of young Australian managers would struggle to do business without their smartphones.

That’s one of the findings of a new study from consumer satisfaction research company Canstar Blue, which also found that nine in ten Generation Y managers feel the need to use their smartphones outside of normal working hours in order to keep on top of their business.

Canstar Blue surveyed more than 700 small business owners - with 19 or fewer employees - and found that, across all generations, three quarters of managers believe their smartphone is a vital part of their business. That was particularly true of female bosses (78%) and those in New South Wales and South Australia (78%), while those in Western Australia (68%) seem a little less reliant on their smartphones.

The survey also found that a quarter of small business owners need to upgrade their mobile phone plans – 40% for Gen Y – and a third are spending more than $70 a month. Just over half (57%) of Gen Y respondents said they are loyal to their mobile phone providers, compared to 67% of Gen X and three quarters of Baby Boomers.

“Smartphones have clearly become an integral part of most small businesses, not least because they allow the user to access the internet and their email wherever they are,” said Megan Doyle, Canstar Blue Business Unit Leader. “Smartphones are also the ideal organisation tool, incorporating your contacts book, diary and the like, which most business owners couldn't do without.

“Being able to communicate with your staff and clients while on the move is vital for most business owners, and smartphones allow you to do that very efficiently. And with 90% of small business owners admitting to using their smartphone outside of normal working hours, it seems the latest technology could be helping them to become workaholics.”

Optus has received Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers award for small business mobile phone providers, beating off strong competition from Virgin, Telstra and Vodafone.

Optus achieved top marks for service (i.e. pre sale, point of sale and post sale), accessibility of the provider (i.e. sales, service, via shop, online, telephone), range of phone plans, clarity of service and for overall satisfaction with the provider.

“Optus is delighted to be recognised for our commitment to small business. Canstar is such a reputable brand, and we’re so honoured that this award comes straight from our small business customers,” said Vicki Brady, Managing Director, Customer Optus.

“Over the last 12 months, we’ve focused on making our customers the centre of everything we do by providing brilliant service and great products. This win is a great acknowledgment of the steps we’ve taken to elevate the voice of our small business customers and offering them with the best possible experience with Optus.”

Optus also picked up four-star ratings for billing (i.e. information provided on the bill, ease of understanding, accuracy), network coverage and value for money.

Mrs Doyle said: “This is the first year of our Mobile Phones for Small Business award and it’s clear from our findings that Optus is keeping its small business customers very happy.

“Congratulations to everyone at Optus on winning our Most Satisfied Customers Award – to achieve five-star ratings in three separate categories is a fantastic achievement and a great endorsement of the Optus brand.”