A new report found 83% of UK workers felt adept at basic IT skills, while only 75% felt at ease with face to face communication.

The findings revealed by FileMaker in their Educated Tea Makers report showed an ever widening chasm for 16-18 year olds with 82% of respondents claiming they felt confidence in their basic IT abilities contrasting with 64% that felt confidence with interpersonal communication.

Cary Cooper CBE, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health at Lancaster University comments: “Once a person has experience of using IT on a regular basis and becomes confident with how it functions, it can be easier and more predictable to deal with than people. However, whilst IT can be a very useful medium of communication it is worrying to see that the balance is tipping away from face-to-face discussion. In some situations it can be daunting to engage a person in direct conversation but it is hugely important when building relationships to be able to do this. Relying on IT can restrict emotional engagement and can often lead more quickly to unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding.”