Average attention span for Brits is barely over 17 minutes, study finds

A poll of 2,000 adults has found the average time people think they can concentrate for on different tasks throughout the day - with most saying their attention span has worsened in recent years

Research has shown that the average adult's attention span is just 17 minutes and 10 seconds, according to a poll of 2,000 adults. The survey revealed the average time people believe they can concentrate on various tasks.

It was found that individuals could only maintain focus during a conversation with their partner for 19 minutes and 17 seconds, but this drops to just 17 minutes and 36 seconds in a work meeting.

Over a third (36 per cent) stated that their attention span has deteriorated in recent years, while only 22 per cent said it had improved.

Almost half (49 per cent) of 18 to 24 year olds admit they lose concentration on a task in under a minute, compared to just seven per cent of those aged 65 and older.

Of those surveyed, 39 per cent confessed they feel compelled to check their phones when they lose interest in something, while 45 per cent switch between tasks, and 42 per cent allow themselves to daydream.

A study commissioned by Nest, in line with the Pension Attention campaign, has found that 50% of people attribute their limited attention span to fatigue, while 40 per cent 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."

Financial tasks are often postponed or delayed as they're perceived as dull or challenging, with 14 per cent of those surveyed delaying checking their pension, 14 per cent reviewing their monthly budget, and 11 per cent setting up a savings account.

The research found 43 per cent have attempted to increase how long they can stay focused on a task. Half of the respondents are consciously trying to listen to other people's conversations, while 43 per cent are attempting to increase their physical activity to enhance their mental stamina.

These strategies have proven successful for 41 per cent of participants, but 42 per cent found themselves reverting to their previous habits.

Moreover, 35 per cent expressed concern that their children might develop shorter attention spans due to constant exposure to the internet on numerous devices.

Gavin Perera-Betts from Nest, which recently launched its mobile app to simplify pension management, commented: "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