The needs of a digital generation in the workplace are not represented by the technology available within businesses, according to a study from Fujitsu.
The report, Digital Inside Out reveals that 73 percent of employees see digital as a vital component in the future success of their organisation, but 55 percent reported that they don’t have access to digital services that they need to perform in their roles. 29 percent said that their ability to do their job is hindered due to this lack.
Michael Keegan, CEO of Fujitsu UK & Ireland said:
“Today’s employees are well informed and understand the benefits digital can bring to them in the workplace. Outside of the workplace, they have constant access to high-quality consumer digital services and they therefore have expectations that the digital services they use for work should match this.
Employees are comfortable with using digital services but this enthusiasm will only thrive and prove a tool for business growth if it is matched by a continued focus on quality, effectiveness and crucially, training in the workplace.”
The benefits of a digital workforce highlighted by the report all relate to operational efficiency. 57 percent of respondents said opportunities to work remotely would be an advantage, while 50 percent valued real time access to information and 46 percent felt that digital applications save time.
Despite the study’s findings that a large portion of the UK workforce are in favour of implementing digital technology within their roles, there are concerns that certain barriers need to be overcome first.
Only 55 percent of employees felt that immediate application of digital services would benefit them, with 50 percent blaming a lack of training and 42 percent believe that a lack of awareness of available systems would cause problems. Somewhat surprisingly, time is also used as an argument to bypass technology, with 33 percent claiming it’s quicker to do without.
Keegan added:
“There is no question that digital has had a significant impact on business. The rapid adoption of technology by consumers has led to organisations creating and delivering digital services to their customers at a rapid pace. This research suggests that employees have been left behind in the race to deliver digital. Now is the time for these organisations to integrate their digital offering front and back of house to capitalise on the opportunities available. When staff are as enabled as their customers, organisations will truly reap the financial and efficiency rewards of a digital first business”.
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Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.
