A new study has revealed that Brits put off essential life admin for more than three months before finally getting around to sorting it. The research, conducted among 2,000 adults, found that 18 per cent even delay urgent tasks such as booking MOTs. Other commonly postponed jobs include paying credit card bills (14 per cent), filling out tax returns (18 per cent), and scheduling doctor's appointments (50 per cent).
Reasons for Procrastination
Nearly half (46 per cent) admitted they simply prioritise other tasks, while 28 per cent blame a lack of time and 27 per cent believe the issue is not serious enough. However, 30 per cent have put off important admin for so long that they missed a deadline, resulting in late fees (35 per cent) or having access to a vital service cut off (15 per cent).
Impact on Essential Services
The study, commissioned by BT's Digital Voice service, aims to raise awareness about the switch from analogue landlines to digital. If customers do not act when contacted, their service could be disrupted. Behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, who collaborated with BT, explained: "Often, people procrastinate over life admin because the tasks feel overwhelming or tedious, and our brains are wired to seek out activities that are more immediately rewarding. There's also a sense of avoidance at play; we tend to underestimate the consequences of delay and overestimate the effort required to get started."
The research also found that despite 81 per cent being aware of the serious issues caused by putting off admin, 24 per cent have missed paying an electricity or water bill, and 21 per cent failed to renew a direct debit. As a result, 13 per cent lost access to essential services like water and electricity, and 9 per cent were unable to drive their cars.
Desire for a 'Take Action' Attitude
More than three quarters (77 per cent) wished they had a more proactive attitude to avoid missing important deadlines. However, 29 per cent have ignored or delayed responding to messages from providers about essential services like the digital landline switch, and only 18 per cent immediately act when reminded. Over one in five set a reminder, while 13 per cent put tasks aside for later.
Half of the respondents revealed they handle most of the admin in their household, compared to 20 per cent who share it equally with their partner. Additionally, 21 per cent manage life admin for people outside their household, on top of the average of five tasks completed each month. Of those supporting others, 72 per cent said this impacts their ability to manage their own admin.
Confidence in Managing Technology Changes
Despite the delays, 75 per cent of those polled felt confident about managing important life admin involving changing technology, such as switching to digital landlines. Clare Balding, working with BT to encourage prompt action, said: "When your provider gets in touch, it's vitally important you act to ensure your landline services keep running smoothly. If you don't respond, the services you rely on could be disrupted."
BT Digital Voice spokesperson Lucy Baker added: "As our research shows, it's easy to overlook messages from service providers, but doing so could disrupt essential connections when it comes to the digital landline switch. It's important to take action when contacted, so everyone can benefit from more reliable, secure technology and stay connected to the services they rely on."
Top 10 Most Commonly Put Off Admin Jobs
- Booking a dentist appointment
- Booking a doctor appointment
- Updating passwords / digital security
- Switching a provider (e.g. internet)
- Writing a will
- Booking a car's service
- Renewing a passport
- Updating insurance
- Cancelling or setting up a direct debit
- Booking a car's MOT
