Ricoh Europe’s research reveals a significant gap in technology support for flexible working, with only 30% of European workers having all they need for effective collaboration. The study, surveying 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers, indicates a lack of basic tools for flexible work and inadequate collaboration tools as per industry standards. Crucial software like Microsoft Teams and Zoom are inaccessible to 15% of employees, while 28% lack any collaboration hardware. The research underlines the need for businesses to invest in robust, adaptable technology to improve employee experience, retain top talent and unlock growth opportunities.
- Majority of European employees lack necessary technology for effective collaboration at work, according to research by Opinion Matters, among a sample of 7,000 respondents who are office workers within companies employing 1-1000+ people across France, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Italy
- Business decision-makers acknowledge that their collaboration tools are below industry standards, causing frustration and hindering productivity.
- Organisations need to prioritise employee satisfaction by investing in the right technology and infrastructure to support flexible working, unlocking growth opportunities and driving productivity.
Flexible Frustrations: Research from Ricoh Europe reveals Hybrid Technology still not up to Scratch
New research conducted by Ricoh Europe has shed light on the challenges faced by organisations in supporting flexible working. The study reveals that the majority of organisations lack the necessary technology to facilitate seamless collaboration among employees. Only 30% of European employees reported having all the technology required to collaborate effectively with their colleagues.
The research, conducted by Opinion Matters on behalf of Ricoh Europe, surveyed 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers across the UK and Ireland. It found that flexible working arrangements, including technology and facilities, remain a top priority for employees in the region. However, many employees still lack the basic tools necessary to work flexibly.
One of the key findings of the study is that business leaders recognise the problem. A quarter (25%) of decision-makers admitted that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standards, making it challenging for employees to perform their day-to-day tasks. This lack of adequate technology is causing frustration and hindering productivity.
The research also revealed that a significant number of employees do not have access to essential collaboration software. Approximately 15% of employees reported not having access to tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Furthermore, nearly a third (28%) of employees do not have access to any collaboration hardware or hybrid meeting technology, such as video conferencing equipment.
Paula O’Brien, Director of Sales at Ricoh UK, emphasised the importance of seamless collaboration for organisational success. She stated that robust and adaptable technology is crucial in facilitating dynamic workplaces and driving employee productivity and satisfaction.
Interestingly, the research highlighted a gap in strategic priorities among business decision-makers. Only 14% of them cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead. This finding suggests that organisations need to prioritise employee satisfaction and experience by investing in the necessary technology and infrastructure to support flexible working.
Nicola Downing, CEO of Ricoh Europe, urged businesses to prioritise the necessary tools and technologies to maximise workforce potential and retain top talent. She emphasised that embracing these changes is not just about staying competitive but also about valuing and investing in the happiness and fulfillment of employees.
The research from Ricoh Europe highlights the majority of organisations lack the necessary technology to facilitate seamless collaboration among employees, and this lack of adequate technology is hindering productivity and causing frustration among employees.
FAQ
Q: What was the key finding regarding the availability of technology for collaboration among European employees?
A: Only 30% of European employees reported having all the technology required to collaborate effectively with their colleagues.
Q: How many workers and decision-makers were surveyed in the research conducted by Ricoh Europe?
A: The research surveyed 2,000 workers and 300 decision-makers across the UK and Ireland.
Q: What percentage of decision-makers admitted that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standards?
A: A quarter (25%) of decision-makers admitted that their collaboration tools are not up to industry standards, making it challenging for employees to perform their day-to-day tasks.
Q: What percentage of employees do not have access to essential collaboration software according to the research?
A: Approximately 15% of employees reported not having access to tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom, which are crucial for effective remote collaboration.
Q: How many employees do not have access to any collaboration hardware or hybrid meeting technology according to the research?
A: Nearly a third (28%) of employees do not have access to any collaboration hardware or hybrid meeting technology, such as video conferencing equipment.
Q: How many business decision-makers cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead?
A: Only 14% of business decision-makers cited providing an enhanced employee experience as a strategic priority for the year ahead.
