Brits' blame stress and fatigue for poor attention span

A poll of 2,000 adults found people think they can concentrate on various different tasks for an average of 17 minutes and 10 seconds

Research has found that the average adult's attention span is just 17 minutes and 10 seconds. A survey of 2,000 adults revealed how long they believe they can focus on different tasks.

The study found that people can only maintain concentration during a conversation with their partner for 19 minutes and 17 seconds, while in a work meeting, this drops to 17 minutes and 36 seconds.

Financial tasks, which are often delayed or avoided due to being seen as boring or difficult, can hold our attention for 19 minutes and 49 seconds, while work tasks can keep us engaged for 20 minutes and 40 seconds.

The poll also found that 14% of respondents delay checking their pension and reviewing their monthly budget, while 11% put off setting up a savings account. Over a third (36%) of those surveyed said their attention span has deteriorated in recent years.

Nearly half (49%) of 18 to 24 year olds admit they lose focus on a task in under a minute, compared to just 7% of those aged 65 and older. Furthermore, 18% of the younger age group have delayed checking their pension status, compared to only 2% of over 65s.

The survey also revealed that when interest wanes, 39% of respondents feel compelled to check their phones, 45% switch between tasks, and 42% allow themselves to daydream.

A study commissioned by Nest, in line with the Pension Attention campaign, found that 50% of people attribute their limited attention span to fatigue, while 40% believe stress is a major factor.

Gavin Perera-Betts, chief customer officer for the workplace pension firm, commented: "Constant notifications, social media, and instant access to information can impact our ability to concentrate for extended periods. However, it's not just technology to blame - stress and fatigue also play a significant role."

"When we're tired or stressed, we struggle to maintain concentration, making it even harder to stay focused on a single task. Even relatively simple but important tasks, like reviewing your budget or checking your pension is on track can be delayed due to a lack of attention."

"While we can't take away all stress and fatigue, we can make checking your pension is on track simple and easy - there are three simple steps on our website you can follow."

The study also revealed that 35% of those whose attention span has worsened over time blame their smartphone.

Half of these individuals are making a conscious effort to listen to other people's conversations, while 43% have tried to get more exercise in an attempt to improve their mental endurance.

Gavin Perera-Betts from Nest, which has recently launched its mobile app to make managing your pension easier, stated: "Technology is deeply embedded in our daily lives - that's why it's crucial for technology to be designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind."

"Simple tech, like a mobile app, can make paying attention to important things like your pension, simple and straightforward."

"When tech is intuitive and less cluttered, it can reduce mental overload, helping users stay focused and preventing their minds from wandering."

BRITS’ AVERAGE ATTENTION SPAN:

• A conversation with their partner – 19 minutes and 17 seconds
• Playing with their children – 20 minutes and six seconds
• Having sex – 19 minutes and 27 seconds
• Chatting to a friend – 20 minutes and four seconds
• In a work meeting – 17 minutes and 36 seconds
• Writing an email – 13 minutes and three seconds
• Writing a text – 11 minutes and 41 seconds
• Tidying the house – 20 minutes and 20 seconds
• Driving – 26 minutes and 10 seconds
• A task at work – 20 minutes and 40 seconds
• Sorting out finances – 19 minutes and 49 seconds
• Reading a book – 22 minutes and 34 seconds
• Watching a movie – 25 minutes and 12 seconds
• Watching a video online – 17 minutes and six seconds
• Watching sports – 21 minutes and 57 seconds
• Listening to a podcast – 19 minutes and 16 seconds
• Working out – 20 minutes and 57 seconds