With hybrid and flexible working key for many employees, it is “startling” that nearly a quarter of business decision makers admit their collaborative technology is substandard.
Research with 7,000 workers and 1,800 decision makers across Europe revealed that 24 percent of business leaders know their tech is failing hybrid and flexible working employees.
Less than a third (30 percent) of European employees say they have the necessary technology to collaborate with colleagues in different locations, according to the survey conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe.
As flexible working remains a top priority for European workers, substandard technology and a lack of flexible working options is expected to be a primary reason for talent to quit in the next 12 months.
Employees who can plan and schedule their days in the office in advance and feel assured that the required technology will be available as required said they would reconsider quitting.
In spite of the value employees place on working flexibly, many still lack the basic tools to do so, researchers said.
One in five employees do not have access to collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, while 29 percent do not have access to any collaborative meeting technology that enables video conferencing.
Business leaders acknowledged the issue but only 17 percent of business decision makers said that providing an enhanced employee experience was a strategic priority for the year ahead.
However, researchers urged business leaders to move employee satisfaction and experience higher up the agenda emphasising that flexible working would be critical to this.
Survey results showed that 24 percent of employees said that not being forced to work in the office and being given the right technology to work wherever they choose would be a key way to increase their fulfilment at work.
Nicola Downing, CEO of Ricoh Europe, said: “Organisations have had several years to adapt to flexible working practices, so it’s startling that many are still falling behind in providing even the most basic technologies that facilitate collaboration and communication. Given the significant benefits that flexible working offers, businesses must prioritise the necessary tools and technologies to get the best out of their workforce and retain top talent. Yet, embracing these changes isn’t just about staying competitive, it’s about valuing and investing in the happiness and fulfilment of the people who drive the success of the organisation.”
