New technology is being introduced into the workplace faster than ever before. These systems and services are changing how people work, their perceptions of their employer and the future of job roles. Here, we investigate the 10 key workplace trends in Europe for 2017 using the Future Workplace Study produced by Dell and Intel.
1. Access to great tech is key
Nearly two in five French workers are likely to quit a job with poor technology, while one fifth of the UK and German workforces would leave due to limited IT. Remote and millennial employees in the UK are more likely to quit due to substandard technology, while seven in ten agree technology influences job choices.
2. Real relationships matter, too
A large majority (72%) of Germans prefer face-to-face communications with colleagues over remote conversations. Nearly three quarters (74%) say good relationships are key to collaboration.
3. Home tech often leads the way
Half of German workers, and as many as 38% of French and 36% of UK employees, believe home technology trumps work systems. Nearly half of French employees don’t use work devices for personal purposes. And very few British employees view their companies as early adopters of innovative technology, regardless of size.
4. IT-enabled remote working is here to stay
Younger French workers strongly associate remote working with improved quality of life. In Germany, 94% of remote employees are happy in their jobs. Over half of UK remote employees (63%), meanwhile, feel that they get the right technology support.
5. Remote workers have different tech needs
Increased workplace flexibility affects worker perceptions. As many as nine in ten remote employees in France say technology would have an influence on their career choice, compared to 81% of office workers.
6. Offices are still crucial
While appreciating workspace flexibility, half of German employees (53%) still do their best work at office desks. Most British employees also complete their best work in the office, but UK Millennials are increasingly looking to remote locations for work, with 38% saying they do their best work outside the office.
7. Glitchy tech kills workplace efficiency
Almost half (48%) of French employees say slow devices, buggy applications and broken technology are the biggest wastes of time at work. Fewer than 1 in 5 list technology as an aspect of their job they’re most satisfied with.
8. Being smart is a work in progress
Mobility and smart offices might be key to future success but there is a long way to go. Germans still rely on traditional office products like landlines (used by 77%) and desktop PCs (71%). Most Germans (55%) don’t expect to work in more sophisticated offices in the next five years.
9. Workers are ready to get virtual
Two thirds (66%) of French employees, particularly remote employees (82%) and millennials (78%), are willing to use AR and VR at work. In the UK, the idea of using AR and VR for problem solving (27%) and training (23%) is an exciting prospect for millennials.
10. Automation can make work better
More than two thirds (69%) of French employees say AI could make their jobs easier, including 84% of remote workers and 77% of millennials. Remote employees (50%) and millennials (54%) in the UK are also most likely to agree their jobs could be made easier using AI, especially by eliminating repetitive tasks.
The world of work continues to change and smart businesses will prepare today. Explore the latest technology trends and insights to keep you ahead of the curve. Click here to find out more about building the workforce of tomorrow, today.
Mark Samuels
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Tags: Future Ready, Workforce Transformation