Research reveals hybrid technology still not up to scratch
May 3, 2024
New research from Ricoh Europe reveals that the majority of organisations lack the technology to support flexible working, with only 30% of European employees saying they have all the technology to collaborate seamlessly when working with other colleagues.
The research, conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe, polled 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers across the UK and Ireland, and found that flexible working remains a top priority for UK and Irish workers.
Despite the value employees place upon working flexibly, many still lack the basic tools to do so. Insights show that business leaders recognise the problem, with one in four (25%) admitting that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standard which is making it hard for employees to do their day-to-day jobs.
Just under one in six (15%) employees do not have access to essential collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, whilst nearly a third (28%) do not have access to any collaboration hardware/hybrid meeting technology (e.g., AV technology such as video conferencing), despite this being in demand.
Paula O’Brien, Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, commented: “The ability to collaborate seamlessly is not just a luxury but a necessity for organisational success. I feel passionately that by embracing innovative solutions that empower flexible working, businesses have enormous opportunity for growth now and in the future.”
Surprisingly, only 14% of business decision-makers cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead.
Paula O’Brien continued: “These findings highlight a critical gap and a need for technology and robust infrastructure to ensure that teams can thrive regardless of location or time zone. At Ricoh, we believe that empowering organisations with robust, adaptable technology is crucial to facilitate dynamic workplaces and drive both employee productivity and satisfaction.”
The research also shines a light on how business leaders should be placing employee satisfaction and experience at the forefront of their agenda this year. This starts with flexible working, as nearly a quarter (25%) of employees said that not being forced to work in the office but being given the right technology to work wherever benefits them 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.”
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Flexible working Hybrid Working Research Ricoh Europe Technology
